1857P Scottish Black Watch Boer War Commanding Officer's Sword, sold

In aged and worn but good sound condition, this is the sword carried by then Lieutenant-Colonel Edward George Grogan, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch during the Boer War.

This is the 1857P sword of Edward George Grogan, one of the Black Watch's most important officers. He used it from the 4th December 1885 at which date he gained the rank of Major in the same regiment, until during and after the Boer War when he was the commanding officer (Lieutenant Colonel) of the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch. We also acquired his earlier sword (see Grogan's 1831P). This sword was carried and used by him, as the commanding officer, during the bloody Boer War.

Edward George Grogan eventually attained the rank of colonel, was the father of Brigadier General George William St George Grogan VC CB CMG DSO, who won his Victoria Cross during World War 1.

The blade is etched one side to the Black Watch Royal Highlanders, and the other side with Edward George Grogan's initials, plus the Egyptian Sphinx and battle honours, including Ashantee in which Lieutenant Colonel Grogan was involved and injured.

The 34 inch blade is in good condition, some patina, aging and wear, but the etching still very clear, and the blade is firm in the hilt. The maker's name / details "Hobson & Sons Little Windmill St London" confirm the sword's date, as they were only at the Little Windmill Street address from 1884 to 1886. The hilt is in good condition, with quite a bit of patina, some rust to the backpiece. The scabbard is unusual in that it is not a Scottish sword scabbard with ball chape, but a slightly curved English officer's scabbard. Yes, the Claymore blade is straight, but this was a quite a common occurrence, having a slightly curved scabbard for a straight blade. We have no doubt the scabbard is original to the sword, as it fits perfectly. It is clear from Edward George Grogan's earlier 1831 pattern basket hilt sword with its angular hilt, that he was not a close follower of regulation patterns. Perhaps the slightly curved scabbard was for style reasons, or more likely to prevent the scabbard snagging so easily. In any event, again, the scabbard is clearly original to the sword. The sword sheathing and drawing well, if a little loose (not much) as the internal wooden slat linings have no doubt worn / aged. The scabbard shows quite some signs of age, but is in generally good condition. The fishskin grip is very well worn; clearly this sword has been held a lot. A small section of grip missing under the pommel. The twisted grip wire bindings are good.

Because of the original owner with firm provenance of it being the 1st Battalion of the Black Watch commanding officer's Boer War sword, this sword comes at a premium but is a very good investment. Further / full sized images available upon request. Please quote item number D63 (755)