This is the Highland officer's broadsword of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Follett Muter Foster Millington Synge, with an amazing history and having been carried in at least two campaigns, including close combat.
Synge commissioned into the 74th Highlanders in 1877 and the regiment subsequently merged to become the Highland Light Infantry. Synge served in the Egypt campaign of 1882 and is recorded as having been slightly wounded there - the Highlanders stormed the Egyptian trenches with the order to only use cold steel, so this sword would have seen action in that engagement. Synge subsequently went on to serve in the Burma Expedition between 1887 and 1889. He was later attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers and also served in WW1.
Made by Wilkinson in 1876 (it's not clear why the sword slightly pre-dates his commission, but maybe he delayed joining the regiment for personal reasons), it has been service sharpened and carried the signs of a long life campaigning in Egypt, Burma and elsewhere. There is dark patina to the steel of the hilt, with a little damage to the decoration of the bars. The shagreen of the grip is quite good, though the grip wire has long since gone (probably removed during its service life). The hilt is firm on the tang and this type of hilt has a screw-nut at the pommel, so that the hilt can be removed for maintenance, or replacement with a cross hilt. The scabbard has heavy patina, the drag is quite worn from use, and the throat has old (period) damage to the top. The sword sheathes well though and the leather washer is in place. The blade is in good condition with elaborate and deep etching. The edges have been service sharpened and have a few very small nicks.
A wonderful sword with unique and desirable provenance, having certainly been carried in close combat and through at least two campaigns, by a high-ranking officer.
