This excellent Scottish infantry officer’s basket hilted broadsword was made by the famous London based sword maker, Edward Thurkle. The sword was made between 1882 and 1897 and is regimentally marked to The King’s Own Borderers. The blade is further etched with the regimental badge, mottos and accompanying battle honours.
The regiment, originally titled The King’s Own Scottish Borderers was awarded the right to bear the emblem of the Sphinx for their role in the Battle of Alexandria in 1801. On 1st July 1881, the regiments’ title was shortened to The King's Own Borderers.
The 835mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has twin, three-quarter length fullers and terminates in a spear point. The blade is etched with trefoil arches above foliate scrollwork and a rayed crown above the regimental name: King’s Own Borderers and the royal cypher of Queen Victoria. The forte bears the maker’s details, E. Thurkle. Maker. Soho, London.
The obverse of the blade is etched with trefoil arches above the Scottish thistle and a castle with a ribbon containing the first of the two mottos: "Nisi Dominus Frustra" which translates to "Unless the Lord be with me all is in vain." Below this are etched a lion above St Edward’s crown and a galloping horse (the white horse of Hanover) signifying that the regiment has royal patronage. Below the horse is a banner containing the second motto: "Nec Aspera Terrent" translating as "Difficulties be Damned," or "Difficulties do not daunt us." Below the royal badge is a Sphynx and “EGYPT” followed by the regiment’s ribboned battle honours, MINDEN, EGMONT OP ZEE, MARTINIQUE, EGYPT and AFGHANISTAN with the dates 1878-80. The forte bears a Scottish thistle.
The ricasso is decoratively etched. The obverse ricasso bears Edward Thurkle’s brass proof stud that was in use from 1882 until 1897.
The blade and etching are in good condition.
The steel basket hilt is of the traditional 1863 pattern, composed of flattened rounded bars united by heart pierced junction plates with forward loop guards. The large dome pommel is incised with a saltire and has a stylised thistle tang button. The basket is in 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 steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with speckled tarnish along its length. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
