This late Georgian period Scottish basket hilt is a great example of an early 1828 pattern Highland infantry broadsword. The basket guard shows clear forge welding marks.
The 845mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has twin short fullers in the ricasso and twin full-length fullers running down the centre of the blade to within 60mm of the spear point. Both edges were service sharpened. The blade is 31mm wide at the ricasso.
The blade is in great condition with only a few small patches of pale tarnish and cleaned shallow pitting.
The forge-welded basket-hilt is composed of rounded bars united by heart-pierced junction plates. The side plates are pierced with hearts arrayed around a central square with slightly concave sides. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition and the twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The bun pommel is incised with a saltire and blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard with steel locket and chape. The chape ending in a ball terminal. The leather is in very good condition and the stitched seam is intact. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a scarce early 1828 pattern basket hilted broadsword.
