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An 1821 pattern Scottish basket hilted broadsword, named notable officer of the Seaforth Highlanders, KIA 21/04/1916.
This Scottish broadsword belonged to Lieutenant Bryce Stewart of the 2nd and then 1st Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders who was mentioned in despatches (a good sign he was a very good officer), wounded in action at Ypres in April, 1915, and was killed in action on the 21st April, 1916. His Commonwealth War Grave Commission data.
The sword is marked with the regimental badge of the Ross-shire Buffs who had become the 2nd Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders. This was his passing out sword when he made 2nd Lieutenant on the 17th September 1913, just before the "Great War". The sword also bears his initials, "B. S.".
Made by Pillin of London, the sword is in overall good condition, the 32.5 inch blade is particularly good and virtually rust spot free. Everything is firm. The crimson hilt liner is aged and threadbare in places, with just small patches of the royal blue edging still visible. The fishskin grip is in good order, a little aged, but with the twisted grip wire bindings intact and sound. The red hilt tassel is beginning to fall apart. The steel scabbard is on good order. The original leather case is well aged and the stitching has come apart in several areas.
About the only blemish on the blade are some finger prints to a blank section. These have been there for some time (more recent finger prints would clean off) for the acid in the person's moisture to etch into the blade. This raises the possibility the finger prints are of Lieutenant Bryce Stewart and as such it would be foolish to try and remove them. The blade has the serial number 107979 on the spine. It is genuinely very rare to get a WW1 basket hilt like this with such provenance to a named officer in such a prominent regiment. This sword will only increase in value over the years. Further / full-sized pictures available upon request. Item reference number 807 (339)
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