Weapons

Scottish Weaponry

1308 - 1745

The Dirks in the below pictures are about 14" or so, used as a stabbing weapon with or without the Targe (shield). They were developed from the old "Ballock Dagger", and came to a fine enough point to pierce through one link in the opponent's mail; break one link and you're in, hit too many and you can't get through. Thus a piercing weapon is much better against that kind of armor than a slashing or chopping weapon. Usually a single edged blade, with a fuller to lighten and strengthen the blade (not a "blood groove"), and brass or wooden handled. Some were even made from the broken tips of larger swords. By the later part of our period, some had become quite ornate, with etched blades and finely-carved handles. Contrast the "typical" medieval daggers on the left with the Dirks on the right.

The pistols of the Scots were typically made with handles made of brass or steel, sometimes very ornate and usually only possessed by those with some wealth. Remember Scotland's populace of the times was 90% peasant class in terms of monetary wealth. However, no Scot was ever born truly a peasant in his own mind, but all considered themselves descendants of kings or nobility. See the Wapenshaw for more on Scottish Pistols.
See the Wapenshaw for more on Scottish Pistols.

The other items shown are:

The spike used in the center of the targe (middle), typically 10" - 12" long;

...and a caltrop (right). The caltrops were thrown behind you to cover your retreat, as landmines of a sorts, or to be placed on your army's flanks to prevent attacks from your vulnerable sides, and could be used to "channel" your opponents' charges and attacks into your army's strong points. The design always left one spike pointing upwards to take out a horse following, or perhaps a foot soldier caught unaware. They were simple enough for any blacksmith to make, so were available in large quantities when needed.

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