British, Vintage, J. Nowill & Sons Ltd, Skean-Dhu Knife, Sheffield

A 9 cm handmade fixed-blade knife with a faceted back edge, etched with “J Nowill & Sons Ltd, Skean Dhu, Sheffield Gt. Britain.” The hilt features a carved wooden front with interlacing lines, with white metal mounts engraved with thistle strapwork. The pommel is set with an amber-colored stone in a claw mount. It comes with a leather-covered wooden scabbard, adorned with white metal mounts and a central shield flanked by thistles. The blade is inscribed with “J. Nowill & Sons,” the Crossed Keys emblem, “Skean-Dhu,” a star over the letter “D,” and “Sheffield, GT. Britain.” This mark originates from a corporate emblem granted by the Company of Cutlers on April 27, 1700, to Thomas Nowill, a distinguished knife maker, and later inherited by his sons. In 1842, J. Nowill & Sons was officially assigned this “D*” mark, along with the notable ‘Crosskeys’ emblem.

The Skean Dhu, or sgian-dubh, is a small, single-edged knife – stabbing blade, traditionally worn as part of Scottish Highland dress, tucked into the top of the kilt hose with only the hilt’s upper portion visible. It is usually worn on the same side as the dominant hand.