This Royal Scots broadsword was owned by Major John Munroe Mackenzie. Major Mackenzie had a long and distinguished military career. He was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 4th July 1903.
In 1911, as a Captain, he was seconded to The King’s African Rifles where he led troops into Somaliland against Seyed Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan, known as the “Mad Mullah.” Mackenzie returned to The Royal Scots for service in World War one, during which he was mentioned in despatches and later, on the 3rd June 1918, awarded the DSO. Major Mackenzie ended WW1 as an acting Lieutenant-Colonel.
The 815mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has two narrow central fullers and terminates in a spear point. The blade retains its’ factory edge and is in near mint condition with just a small patch of pale tarnish at the point on one side. The blade is etched with the royal cypher of King George V amidst arches and foliate scrollwork. The obverse is etched with the regimental badge of the Royal Scots and a battle honour, a sphinx above the word EGYPT. Surmounting these etchings are the words, “The Royal Scots.” A cartouche on the forte bears the initials JMM for John Munroe Mackenzie.
The ricasso bears a brass proof disk showing the word Proved around a G. This is the proof stud of a Sheffield maker, Clement Gray. The obverse ricasso is etched with the details of the outfitters, William Anderson & Sons Ltd. Military outfitters, Edinburgh & Glasgow. The blade retains its original washer.
The cross-hilt pattern of guard saw its first use among Highland infantry regiments in the 1860’s and was formally accepted in Dress Regulations in 1883. The cross guard being for active service and the basket guard for dress occasions. The guard and pommel of the hilt are in very good condition. The shagreen wrapped grip is in very good condition and the twisted wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The broadsword is complete with its brown leather covered field service scabbard with a plated steel chape with a ball terminal. The scabbard is in good condition with minor age and use-related scuffs and a repair to the frog strap. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a scarce, named Royal Scots officer’s WW1 era broadsword.
