This rare and significant collection comprises the regimentally marked basket hilted broadsword and the dress dirk of Andrew Dunnet of the 1st Sutherland Highlanders Rifle Volunteers. The collection includes the original commissioning papers dated April 1901 and a certificate for the completion of training. Accompanying these is a period framed photograph of Andrew Dunnet wearing both the sword and dirk as part of his full-dress uniform.
Andrew Dunnet joined the 1st Sutherland Highlanders Rifle Volunteers on the 13th April 1901 at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. The Sutherland Highlanders Rifle Vols. Fought in South Africa between 1899 – 1902 during the Anglo-Boer War.
Andrew Dunnet later joined the regular army and by 1908, was a Captain in the Seaforth Highlanders. The Seaforth Highlanders mobilised to France in 1914. Captain Dunnet served throughout the First World War and retired with the honorary rank of Major in 1920.
The 830mm double-edged blade has twin short fullers either side of the ricasso and two long fullers running toward the spear point. The blade is etched with ogee and trefoil arches, foliate scrollwork and the crowned royal cypher of King Edward VII. A Scottish thistle completes the etched decoration and the ricasso bears the scratched initials; A.D.
The obverse of the blade is etched with arches and scrollwork above and below the regimental designation and strung horn of the 1st Sutherland Highlanders Rifle Volunteers.
The ricasso bears a brass proof stud belonging to the London based Pillin family of sword makers.
The blade and etching are in very good condition.
The plated steel basket hilt is of the traditional pattern, composed of flattened rounded bars united by heart pierced junction plates with forward loop guards. The basket is in very good condition retaining its original liner and with only minor speckling to the plating. The shagreen 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 steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with a small ding on one side and loss of plating. The scabbard retains its wooden liner and the sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
Accompanying the broadsword is the Andrew Dunnet’s dress dirk.
The 245mm single-edged blade has a scalloped spine and terminates in a double-edged spear point. The blade is in good condition, retaining its original polish with only minor spots of tarnish. The edge remains sharp.
The carved ebony hilt has an intricate basket weave design punctuated with plated pins. The pommel is capped with a Cairngorm stone.
The leather covered wooden scabbard includes the by-knife and fork, both capped with Cairngorms. Andrew Dunnet can be seen wearing this dirk, along with his sword in the accompanying photograph.
The original commissioning papers, dated 13th April 1901 are in excellent condition and complete with their original envelope with franked one penny stamp and postmark.
The sword, dirk and accompanying paperwork and photo make this a rare and complete collection.
£2,000.00
I am 18+ I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of sale and shipping
Select your shipping region:
We are unable to ship to P.O. Box addresses. Please provide an alternative delivery address at checkout.
