SCARCE & DESIRABLE**WW1 Era King George V British WD Scottish Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Staff Sergeants / Officer’s Basket Hilt Broadsword With Etched & Blued Panels & Stylised Monogram Blade & Scabbard. Sn 23484:107 Sword

**SCARCE & DESIRABLE**WW1 Era King George V British WD Scottish Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Staff Sergeants / Officer’s Basket Hilt Broadsword With Etched & Blued Panels & Stylised Monogram Blade & Scabbard. Sn 23484:107 - 23484:107

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) was an Infantry Regiment of the British Army until amalgamation into The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. During the Crimean War The Highlanders earned the sobriquet of “The Fighting Highlanders” and carried with it the status of having been the original “Thin Red Line”. This title was bestowed following the action of the 93rd at Balaclava on 25 October 1854 in which the Highlanders alone stood between the undefended British Army base at Balaclava and 4 Squadrons of charging Russian Cavalry. The Regiment saw much action in both WW1 & WW2. This is an original WW1 Era King George V British WD Scottish Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Staff Sergeants / Officer’s Basket Hilt Broadsword. It is similar in form to those illustrated 187-195 of Swords Of The British Army by Robson. The Scottish basket hilt Broadsword has become one of the most sought after swords for collectors (see page 35 of World Swords by Withers). The sword measures 39” overall with a 31 ¾” double edged fullered blade which has etched & blued panels of Thistles and other foliate devices on both sides. One side has King’s Crown Royal Cypher ‘GRV’ (King George V Rex) & heraldic arms. The etching also features the Regimental badge of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and stylised monogram (illustrated, most likely the Officer / NCO who commissioned this sword). The ricasso has ordnance acceptance star and proof roundel. The blade has its original leather hilt washer. It has the correct medieval appearance basket hilt with wire wrapped fish skin bound wood handle, nickel plate fittings, flat cross guard, ribbed ferrule and bell shaped pommel cap with holed ball end. Its fish skin handle is tight and undamaged as is its full ‘heart design’ pierced steel basket hilt with original leather lining. The sword is complete with original steel scabbard with ball end and 2 steel hanging rings. The scabbard is undamaged with no dents. The price for this sought after sword with scabbard includes UK delivery. Sn 23484:107

£1,575.00