Victorian Highland Regiment Officer’s Broadsword

I thought I was through posting my pointy things, but I just acquired this a few days ago.

This is the Scottish 1828 Pattern Highland Officer’s sword. The sword was adopted by the British Army at a time of splendid military uniforms and a renewed interest in Scottish history and tradition. The iconic Scottish basket hilt goes back to Culladen and before. This same pattern is still worn by highland regiment officers today.

The grip is quadruple wire wrapped sharkskin. The steel basket, with its regulation heart pierced design has a red felt and buff leather liner. Originally it would have had light blue fabric edging and a red tassel, but these have worn away or gone missing over the years.

The 32 inch blade has an etched floral pattern with Scottish thistle, crown, sunburst and VR cypher for Queen Victoria. The ricasso has a brass proof disk, and the other side, barely readable, is marked “Robt. Mole & Sons/Birmingham/Makers to the/War & India/Offices”. This wording dates it to 1875-1880. It’s also has a serial number, which the seller researched and dates to circa 1880. I haven’t verified that but don’t doubt it.

I’ve wanted one of these for a very long time, and for years I’ve been monitoring how much they’ve been selling for at online auctions. With all that preparation, I wish could say I got a good deal on it. In fact I think I just got tired of waiting for a good deal, and purchased this at about the going price, or perhaps a bit more considering lack of a scabbard and no regimental etching. Still, I feel no buyer’s remorse.

CW Bonus! You get to see my knobby knees and beer gut in the last photo. Some people laugh when I wear a kilt, but I just tell them to talk to the badger.