Dirk in detail
Here are the details I have unearthed to date:
This dirk was commissioned as a formal dress piece by a member of Clan McCulloch and fashioned in the style of the late 1600s/early 1700s. Its 11˝" blade is stamped by Forsyth's. Around the top of the scabbard/sheath is inscribed "Vi et animo McCulloch" which is the clan's heraldic motto and translates as "By strength and Courage".
As had been customary for centuries, gentlemen's outfitters supplied swords and military accessories to their customers, often commissioning personalised pieces and custom designs from reputable craftsmen. R.W Forsyth was born in the Lothians, went to Glasgow as a nineteen-year old, and gained experience in clothing retailing with several city firms. In 1872 he set up in business as hosier, glover and shirt-maker in Renfield Street; then, on the opposite side of Argyle Street, Forsyth’s went to the expense of installing exterior electric lighting to illuminate their windows after dark – a first in Glasgow – and so make their second store a magnet for the public.
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