Piper's Dirk Mark II variation. Scottish thistle motifs are deeply etched on both sides of the blade. Mole stamped on bottom of blade. Studded hilt is of boxwood and ebony, beautifully carved, and is topped with an iron pommel cap, QEII crown at the top. Three mounts with thislte etchings. Basket weave designed carved into the grip with small nails added at the intersections. A thistle design is etched into the fittings.
The Mole company's origins began as early as 1688-1690, but it became known as Robert Mole & Sons in the 1830s. They produced weapons (swords and bayonets) for the British army and some of their weapons were used on the battlefields of the First World War. Robert Mole in the 1861 census, was 31 years old and was a "Manufacturer of Swords". His sons were 4 and 2 years of age at the time.
Ref 32. Piper's Dirk Mark II
1952
This was a standard ordnance issue Piper's Dirk. The absence of a small knife and fork ensuite are the primary indicators of a piper's dirk.
- Mark I dirks were pattened in 1871 - these were Highland marked on the band
- Mark II dirks were patterned in 1879 - these were adorned by floral decorations
- Mark III dirks were patterend in 1913 - these has unadorned blades