This late 19th Century basket hilted broadsword might have been a militia sergeant’s weapon, hinted at by the brass basket. Or it could be a late Victorian copy of an earlier Highland basket hilted sword.
The 735mm double-edged (broadsword) blade is without etched decoration and does not bear any military or government ownership stamps. The blade is in good condition with a pleasing patina and speckles of darker tarnish. The blade appears to have been shortened slightly and has some tiny nicks along the forward edge. The blade retains its service edges.
The brass basket-hilt is composed of flattened bars united by pierced junction plates. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition with use-related wear and the twisted wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with a brown leather scabbard with plated metal locket and chape. The leather is in good condition with a crease below the mid-point. The stitched seam is intact. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an interesting late 19th Century basket hilted broadsword.
