Dirk By-pieces--Side by side?

[Mark E.]

I have a project on the books, and am nearing the point where I must decide whether to have my fork/spoon side by side or over/under on the sheath (the by-knife is going to be at the bottom, thats a given). I have researched several sources of dirks (Scottish Swords and Dirks by John Wallace/The Scottish Dirk by James D. Forman), but can find little save the comment that some originals had the by-pieces side by side. I would like to use a center seam back scabbard, with the appearance that it was salvaged from the same sword that the dirk is made from, but with the by-piece keepers "added".

Does anyone have information or photos on how they mounted/overlapped the pieces/scabbard extras? Should I be looking at trousse setups for reference as well?

[NorCalPiper]

I'm so glad you brought up this topic! I've seen pictures somewhere of the side-by-side dirk somewhere, AND I,ve also seen a sgian dubh that had a fork as well....I just can't remember where! Good luck with your quest and keep us updated!

[Taygrd]

The side by side if I recall correctly was one of the earliest designs and could be traced back to German examples which I am sure were copied across Europe. The ones I recall had the utility pouch at the top near the scabbard throat. As far as dirks there is the shell bolster dirk in Foreman's book the had the knives and fork recessed into the scabbard where the shell covered them but that was Scandanavian made.
I have found that what is practical now was practical back then when it comes to making period pieces. With that said I think just overlapping a second piece of leather for the pouch would look correct and it is what I would do.

[Woodsheal]

This image from the famous painting of Lord George Murray shows the side-by-side configuration, with a metal chape and locket below the by-knives:



That's very similar to the scabbard of this Scottish "whinger":



Here's another close-up from a period painting (Lord Duffus) showing an all-leather sheath:



This original brass-hilted dirk's all-leather scabbard shows side-by-side slots of molded leather:

[Mark E.]

This image from the famous painting of Lord George Murray shows the side-by-side configuration, with a metal chape and locket below the by-knives:



That's very similar to the scabbard of this Scottish "whinger":



Here's another close-up from a period painting (Lord Duffus) showing an all-leather sheath:



This original brass-hilted dirk's all-leather scabbard shows side-by-side slots of molded leather:

Wow. PERFECT!! Thanks!

Mark

[OC Richard]

Side-by-side dirks show up in The Highlanders of Scotland (1860s).



Around a third of the dirks seen there are side-by-side, most of them brown wood and brown leather.