Scottish Dirk?

mgolab · 20th August 2025, 08:55 PM

I reached out to a few institutions with pictures. The general feedback was that the blade is a cut down sword blade, perhaps 18th century. The hilt is reminiscent of dirks of the late 18th Century/early 19th century. Feedback was couched as limited to pictures provided.

I have attached other image of the "71", along with a confirmed "71" on a musket butt plate. Am I missing something or do the respective "71" appear very similar to each other?

Perhaps this was a "field made" dirk but here in America?

Appreciate any further comments.

Jim McDougall · 21st August 2025, 12:09 AM

71st Highland Infantry fought in India from 1770s, first battalion.

mgolab · 21st August 2025, 12:19 AM

The 71st regiment of foot, Fraser's Highlanders, served in American during the American Revolution. Both Norther and Southern Campaigns. The 1st Battalion was mostly captures at the Battle of Cowpens.

Jim McDougall · 21st August 2025, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgolab

The 71st regiment of foot, Fraser's Highlanders, served in American during the American Revolution. Both Norther and Southern Campaigns. The 1st Battalion was mostly captures at the Battle of Cowpens.

Thats what I was looking for! Thank you, makes more sense.

20th August 2025, 08:55 PM	#1
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 111	I reached out to a few institutions with pictures. The general feedback was that the blade is a cut down sword blade, perhaps 18th century. The hilt is reminiscent of dirks of the late 18th Century/early 19th century. Feedback was couched as limited to pictures provided. I have attached other image of the "71", along with a confirmed "71" on a musket butt plate. Am I missing something or do the respective "71" appear very similar to each other? Perhaps this was a "field made" dirk but here in America? Appreciate any further comments. Attached Images

21st August 2025, 12:09 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,549	71st Highland Infantry fought in India from 1770s, first battalion.

21st August 2025, 12:19 AM	#3
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 111	The 71st regiment of foot, Fraser's Highlanders, served in American during the American Revolution. Both Norther and Southern Campaigns. The 1st Battalion was mostly captures at the Battle of Cowpens.