This Scottish military sword is a great example of an 1828 pattern Highland infantry sergeant’s basket hilted broadsword. The basket quillon is marked to the 2nd Battalion of the 71st Highland Regiment of Foot (MacLeod’s Highlanders).
The sword was made in Birmingham by John & Robert Mole between 1835 and 1844. John Mole was the father of Robert Mole who took over the business in 1845.
The 748mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has a short central fuller and terminates in a spear point. Both edges were service sharpened. The blade is 35mm wide at the ricasso which is stamped with a Birmingham factory inspection mark. The spine bears the maker’s name, MOLE prefixed by a faint letter “I” (representing the letter J) for John Mole. The belly of the ricasso bears another Birmingham inspection stamp, a crowned B over 13.
The blade has been cleaned and is in great condition showing light sharpening and use related scratches with one small nick to the forward edge.
The regulation iron basket-hilt is composed of flattened bars united by heart-pierced junction plates. The side plates are incised with saltires. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition and the twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard with iron fittings. The locket bears a frog stud as well as a suspension ring. 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 rare 71st Highland infantry sergeant’s 1828 pattern basket hilted broadsword.
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