Circa 1936 Scottish Infantry Officer's Basket Hilted Broadsword, sold

In very good condition, a very interesting circa 1936 British / Scottish Infantry Officer's Basket Hilted Broadsword.

You will not find many basket hilts like this one! The blade has "GR" for King George but no "V" or "VI" to say which one, and lacks any maker / retailer mark; not just left out as can happen when officers bought through a smaller retailer, but replaced with thistle decoration. The grip is faux fishskin, so not early 20th Century. We are sure this sword was for an officer during Edward VIII's short reign (1936) where the officer was not happy with having that king's cypher on the blade, probably because of Edward VIII's affair with an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. We believe the sword maker, unable to etch to George V as he was dead, unable to etch to George VI because he was not king, could only put "GR" for King George and would not put their name to the blade because of this disrespect to the then current monarch, King Edward VIII. It is a military officer's sword because it has "GR" and the British Royal Coat of Arms. And, the wear / damage to the scabbard's chape indicates this sword was worn in active service during WW2.

The 33 3/8 inch blade is supremely well grey etched and in very good near new condition, plus firm in the hilt. The guard hilt has age, which means a creamy tarnish (can be removed with a good metal cleaner) and some small spots / patches of plating loss but is good and sound. The black faux fishskin grip and twisted grip wire bindings are very good; the grip may be a later replacement. The original scarlet red buff guard insert is aged but sound. The scarlet tassel is losing its threads. The leather field service scabbard is aged, worn and battered but sound. The sword sheathes and draws well.

It is a real shame this sword does not speak (reveal its original owner). A superb and exceptionally bespoke (rare) sword. A bargain at just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number AF49 (1115). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.

NB Believed to have been owned by Major Eustace Maxwell of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders as it was purchased as a pair with this one.