Lot 59
GERALD BENNEY C.B.E. (BRITISH, 1930-2008) §
SGIAN DUBH, BROOCH AND BUCKLE
MODERN MADE: Modern Art, Sculpture, Design & Ceramics | 553
Auction: 27 March 2019 at 13:00 GMT
Description
silver and golden enamel basket weave decoration, the sgian dubh terminal collet set with a citrine, the buckle with a leather belt, the sgian dubh and brooch hallmarked for London 1982, the buckle for London 1993, each cased in Gerald Benney boxes
Dimensions
the sgian dubh 20.5cm long (8.12in long)
Footnote
Note:
Although the sgian dubh has been a constant in the wearing of Scottish national dress, unlike dirks and plaid brooches, they have rarely been given much attention by modern silversmiths and designers. Most examples follow traditional patterns often laid down by military designs. This piece by Gerald Benney is a rare example of a bespoke designer utilising both the tradition of the object and the skills of a contemporary silversmith.
In the recent work 'The Sgian Dubh; a collection by Malcolm Ferris-Lay' there is only one contemporary example in what is the largest selection of sgian dubhs ever brought together in print.
The present work is sold together with the original note of sale of the belt buckle from Gerald Benney.