This Victorian, Royal Scots Fusiliers officer’s broadsword was made by Pillin, a renowned 19th Century English sword maker. The Royal Scots was the oldest and most senior line infantry regiment of the British army. The regiment was raised in 1633 during the reign of Charles I of Scotland and served continuously until 2006 when it was amalgamated with the other Scottish regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The 830mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has twin, three-quarter length fullers and terminates in a spear point. The presence of two parallel fullers on the blade with two short fullers on the ricasso suggests that the blade was made prior to 1881. From 1881 onwards, broadswords tended to have a single, central fuller.
The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and arches above and below the flaming grenade of the fusiliers with the regimental title, “1st V. B. Royal Scots Fusiliers” encircling the grenade. The grenade bears a thistle motif. A larger thistle is etched below the regimental emblem. The obverse of the blade is similarly etched with foliate scrollwork and ogee and trefoil arches and bears the royal cypher of Queen Victoria.
The ricasso is etched with the retailer’s details, “J. Neilson & Son. Bank Place, Kilmarnock.” The obverse ricasso bears the Pillin maker’s brass proof stud.
The blade is in good condition with some small edge nicks.
The cross-hilt pattern of broadsword 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 has central languets and ball finials. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition with age related wear. The wire binding is intact. The crown-like pommel is incised with a Saltire. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its plated steel scabbard with twin suspension rings and ball finial to the bottom. The scabbard is in good condition with speckled tarnish, pin-prick bubbling and small losses to the plating. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a good example of a late Victorian, Royal Scots Fusiliers volunteer officer’s broadsword by a top maker.
£695.00
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