The 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers was raised in Glasgow, Scotland in 1859 as part of the volunteer movement spurred by fears of a French invasion caused by an assassination attempt on Napoleon III with bombs made in Birmingham. The unit was eventually amalgamated as the 5th Battalion Scottish Rifles "The Cameronians" before the First World War. The dirk is 18 3/8 inches overall with a beautifully floral and thistle acid etched, spear point blade that is 12 1/4 inches long with "1st/LANARKSHIRE/MILITIA" in a banner on one side and a crown over "R" on the other and a wavy spine. The handle is hardwood carved in a woven patter with tack accents and a larger jewel pommel. The smaller dinner knife and fork show the same characteristics without the etching. The scabbard is hardwood covered in black leather with German silver fittings decorated with thistles and "LANARKSHIRE" in a banner at the throat. The scabbard has slots for the dirk, dinner knife, and fork.

Fine, the blade shows mostly bright with some scattered patches of mild pitting and darker grey patina, evidence of light cleaning/sharpening, and mostly clear etching. The grip is very good with a hairline crack in the pommel and minimal wear. The scabbard and cutlery are generally fine with fittings showing an attractive antique patina and leather showing mild wear. The pommel jewel on the dinner knife is absent. An attractive dirk with British military history!