This Scottish basket hilted broadsword dates to between 1800 and 1820. The length of the blade and its etched cavalry motif suggest that this sword was the property of a Highland cavalry officer.
The 895mm double-edged (broadsword) blade is 32mm wide at the ricasso. The blade has a short central fuller and terminates in a spear point. The edges were service sharpened and the blade is in good condition with a great patina and some tiny nicks to the cutting edges.
The blade is etched with floral motifs and foliate scrollwork, a stand of arms showing a Saltire above a Highland targe shield, a mounted cavalry officer and two standing cranes on the forte. The obverse is etched with floral motifs, a stand of arms including a suit of armour, Britannia, with shield and spear, the Royal coat of arms and cypher of King George III, and two mythical wolf-life beasts back-to-back on the forte.
The large, forge welded basket-hilt is similar to the later 1828 pattern and is composed of rounded bars united by pierced junction plates. The overlaid and forge welded sections of the guard are clearly visible. The leather wrapped grip is in good condition and the twisted wire is intact and tight. The tang of the blade is peened over a large conical bun pommel. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is a great example of a scarce, early 19th Century, Highland cavalry broadsword with a forge welded basket.
