1798P Scottish Highland Infantry Officer's Basket Hilt Broadsword, sold

In very good condition and with period combat nicks to the blade, a rare senior field officer version of the 1798 pattern Scottish highland infantry officer's brass / gilt basket hilted broadsword.

This sword has almost definitely seen close quarters combat during one or more of the Napoleonic Wars (Peninsular War and / or 100 Days War), denoted by several period nicks to the cutting edge of the blade (it is virtually impossible to fake aged nicks). This is the rarest version of the 1798P, one with a brass gilt steel basket with Saint Andrew's Cross, which was for the privileged few officers of the time, the British army generally mandating non-decorated brass hilts for the everyday Scottish infantry officer. The brass gilt on steel basket hilt is obviously much stronger and more desirable than the comparatively frail brass hilt of the more common 1798P.

The typically plain 33 1/2 inch Runkel style blade has some pitting to the point end, but is generally very sound. As stated, there are a fair number of period nicks to the blade, mostly one side, which indicate the sword was involved in hand-to-hand combat with the French Grand Armie. The blade is firm in the hilt, the hilt with some but not much damage; one section has been pushed in a little, with breakage to one of the bar joins. But overall the hilt is in very good condition and its spacing would indicate it was made for a left-handed officer. The fishskin grip is very aged though complete and the entire grip moves a little within the hilt / over the tang; but still, it is the original grip, once held by the original owner in battle.

A very rare version of a scarce sword, so well worth £xxxx (too late, now sold, but we will divulge the original sales price for a small fee). Full sized / additional photos available upon request. Please quote item reference number E80 (839).