ELC1071 - A rare early Highland Field Officer's sword, by Mole. At first sight this could look like a Royal Engineers officer's sword, but firstly it has a steel scroll hilt instead of brass, and the real giveaway is that the blade etching is full of Scottish thistles. This seems to be an earlier example than the later claymore-bladed types though, and has a few interesting and unusual features. Firstly, it has a sabre blade instead of a broadsword blade, which is occasionally found on Highland Field Officers' swords. Strangely, there is a Birmingham proof stand on the blade, which is odd for a private purchase sword like this. The steel hilt also features the small attachment holes for a liner, as on some infantry officers' swords. These may have been for a patent leather liner, or perhaps a form of white and read buff leather liner, as attached in later Highland officers' swords with ribbons. The sword is in very good condition, bright and clean overall. The guard has a tiny bit of lateral movement, but very small. The scabbard is now absent. A very rare and desirable sword.
