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Post by sharpymcsharp on Mar 27, 2023 17:54:50 GMT
Hi guys, New to the forum. I am interested in a Scottish Basket hilt sword and would appreciate any opions or advice. Particularly interested in the regiment or era of this item or any other information (eg sword handle covering - leather, rayskin). Many thanks. David
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Post by adtharp on Mar 27, 2023 19:00:46 GMT
This looks like a relatively new (post-1900) Pattern 1828 Highland Officers Broadsword. These are commonly replicated, but yours looks pretty decent. The etching is pretty crisp. It would be helpful to have a photo of the whole sword to see the overall blade geometry. If it had regimental marks, they are often on the quillon that curves over at the top of the guard. (The part of the guard at the top of the last picture you shared.) I can't quite tell if there was something written there or if it is just scuffing.
As for the grip. It looks like leather to me. I am not sure if it is original, it looks like it might have been replaced. Shagreen is usually lighter in color in my experience (but I am not an expert).
Nice sword!
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Post by bas on Mar 27, 2023 20:30:23 GMT
This is a common reproduction out of India, the faux leather grip, poor-quality etching and the presence of the proof star on both sides of the blade are the key indicators. Likely not worth the money asked for it. Do not buy if you are after a genuine example.
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Post by squalembrato on Mar 27, 2023 22:46:37 GMT
Unfortunately the OPs basket hilt is a reproduction of the Pattern 1828 Highland Officers Broadsword. Replicas and fakes are very common. The tip off is the proof slug and surrounding star. Real ones have them on only one side of the ricasso. The opposite side sometimes has the "tailors" or sword retailers shop name. The proof slug on OPs sword is a VERY common fake that some think is Indian and some Chinese--the T with a dot or sometimes a star under "Proved". It is true that some genuine Thurkle made P1828s use Proved and a T, but never with the dot. Kult of Athena has several good replicas and the best "Battle Ready" one looks very much like OPs including a fake proof slug. Regimental markings on P1828 officers swords (as opposed to sargeants swords) are NOT on the guard or basket hilt. The regimental markings (if any) are always elaborately engraved on the blade including the regiments emblem and motto as is the sovereign's monogram (i.e. VR Victoria Regina.)
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Post by sharpymcsharp on Mar 28, 2023 7:05:13 GMT
Thank you guys for the feedback. I was about to buy this!
I held a replica before and it felt "tinny". This felt very solid and with excellent balance. As a replica it had fooled me!
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