The numerous photos supplied on the Michael D Long website show the finely detailed gilt decoration on the dirk and its scabbard. The left-hand photo shows the Cameron Highlanders regimental badge of a crowned Thistle which is revealed when the knife and fork are removed. The crown is the King’s crown which replaced Queen Victoria’s crown in 1902 when King Edward VII acceded to the throne. However the crown appears to be a redder gilt than the Thistle and may have been added to the scabbard in place of a QV crown, indicating that the dirk is much older than 1902. The centre photo shows the back of the hilt which would not be seen when the officer was wearing the dirk. It shows the finely carved image of a Highlander’s feather bonnet superimposed on crossed swords. The pommel has a gilt oak leaf and acorns to indicate loyalty to the British monarchy, although the predominant flora consists of Scottish thistles and acanthus.
