This near mint Scottish infantry officer’s basket hilted broadsword was made by the famous Birmingham based sword maker, Robert Mole.
The 815mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has twin, three-quarter length fullers and terminates in a spear point. The blade is deeply etched with foliate scrollwork and Scottish thistles and with the royal cypher of King George V. The forte bears trefoil and ogee arches enclosing a Scottish thistle. The obverse is similarly etched and has arches enclosing foliate scrollwork and a diamond pattern at the forte.
The ricasso is etched with the maker’s details, Rob. Mole & Sons. Maker. Birmingham. The obverse ricasso bears a Mole “shooting stars” proof stud.
The blade and etching are in fantastic, near mint condition.
The large plated steel basket hilt is of the traditional 1828 pattern, composed of flattened rounded bars united by heart pierced junction plates with forward loop guards. The large incised dome pommel retains its red tassel. The basket is in very good condition. 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 brown leather covered field service scabbard with plated steel mounts. The scabbard is in good condition with some age and use-related wear to the leather and is without its frog strap. The plating on the throat and steel chape is in excellent condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a WW1 period Scottish infantry officer’s basket hilt broadsword made by a top British maker.
