Officer's dirk to the Highland Borderers Light Infantry. Very rare dirk. Broad double etched tapering blade of 29 cm notched along the back and double-edged at the point. Etched along one side with scrolling foliage, sun rays, Queen Victoria's crown, 'VR' cypher, owner's crest and thistles. Etched to the other side with thistles, Queen Victoria's crown, regimental badge and title including 'The Highland Borders Lt Infantry', owner's monogram ((RJ or JR?) within acorn scrollwork, and maker's name Henry/Wilkinson/Pall Mall/London. Ebonised baluster grip carved with basket weave set with silver studs, silver basal mount chased with thistles, and pommel set with a piece of faceted glass against foil. Original wood-lined black patent leather scabbard with border engraved silver mounts, the top knide mount with locket '90' between branches of oak, thistles and lilies. Matching knife and fork ensuite. Condition: Areas of pitting to blade overall. Some crazing to leather scabbard. Pitting to matching knife and fork with one tine to fork incomplete.
Ref 1 Highland Borderers Light Infantry Militia
1860 - 1881
The Highland Borderers Light Infantry started life as the 90th Regiment of British Militia. In recognition of the number of members who enlisted in the regular army, it then received the distinctive Highland Borderers name. On the 1st of July, 1881, the Cardwell reforms came into effect. This was a major reorganisation of the British army. For the first time, regular regiments of the line were really tied to a particular depot. For example the 91st Regiment - the Argyllshire Regiment - amalgamated with the 93rd Regiment - the Sutherland Highlanders - to become the First (91st) Battalion and Second (93rd) Battalions of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) with Stirling Castle as their permanent depot.
On Friday 1st July 1881, the Highland Borderers became the 3rd Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Regiment. At the outbreak of WWI, the battalion became the 3rd (Highland Borders Light Infantry) (Special Reserve) Btn.