This Victorian Scottish infantry officer’s basket hilted broadsword bears the regimental badge of the Thames Scottish Volunteers and was made between 1878 and 1885.
The 820mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has twin, three-quarter length fullers and terminates in a spear point. The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and the legend “Thames Scottish Volunteers” around a large Scottish thistle. The obverse bears the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria.
The forte is etched with the maker’s details, “Hobson & Sons, Little Windmill St. London. W.” Hobson & Sons traded from their premises in Little Windmill Street for only seven years, between 1878 and 1885. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing the word “proved” around a P which could indicate that the sword was made by the London maker, George Alfred Pillin.
The blade and etching are in fantastic condition.
The large basket hilt is of the traditional 1828 pattern, composed of flattened rounded bars united by heart pierced junction plates with forward loop guards. The large, incised dome pommel is finished with a thistle terminal. The basket is in very good condition and retains a good amount of its red tassel. The leather wrapped grip is in good condition and the twisted wire binding is tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with some shallow pitting. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a very good and rare example of a Victorian Scottish volunteer officer’s basket hilt broadsword marked to the Thames Scottish Volunteers.
# 2207009
