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. There are six varieties of the cross hilt guard, differing mainly in the style of the finials. The finials on this example are regulation pattern for the Royal Scots. 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 838mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has two narrow central fullers and terminates in a spear point. The un-sharpened blade is in good condition and is etched with the royal cypher of King George V amidst arches and thistles. There are some minor speckles of tarnish amongst the etching and along the edges and some spots of darker tarnish towards the point.
The ricasso bears a brass proof disk showing a fleur de lys below the word Proved. The spine of the ricasso bears the serial number 7451. The blade retains its original washer.
The broadsword is complete with its polished steel dress scabbard with twin suspension rings and a ball terminal. The scabbard is in very good condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce Royal Scots officer’s WW1 era broadsword. The serial number on the blade suggests that the cutler may be Hawkes & Co., but I cannot confirm this.
