Victorian Scottish Black Watch Mounted NCO's Sword, sold

A rare special pattern of Black Watch sword for a mounted NCO; Boer War period, dated 1900.

This is a rare sword, Shorter than the regular infantry broadsword and with a mounted officer's chape to the scabbard, rather than an infantry of special ball Scottish chape. The sword was made by Mole of Birmingham and dated 1900. The scabbard is a later replacement (dated June 1907), probably to replace the worn original; as there is no royal cypher to the blade, the sword would still be regulation during the reign of King Edward 7th and George 5th after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The scabbard is marked to the 5th Battalion of the Royal Highlanders, but we can not tell / do not know if the sword was originally used by one of the other battalions, such as the 1st and 2nd who saw very active service in the Boer War. If this sword was in South Africa, it may be one lost to Boer Commandos who captured a troop of Black Watch mounted infantry.

The plain 29 1/4 inch blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt shows age but is very sound. The grip is good but aged and worn. The hilt liner is very aged. The scabbard is in good shape and the sword sheathes and draws very well. A rare sword in good condition. Please quote item reference I03 (1012). Additional / full sized photos available upon request.