EL6822 - A very rare custom design Swordsmanship Prize sword for the Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry. The proof disc shows that this was made by Pillin, with the retailer/supplier being W. B. Hilliard & Sons, who were the largest surgical instrument maker in Glasgow during the 19th century, and had a sideline in swords! The sword has the etched dedication on the blade for the regimental Swordsmanship Prize of the Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry, but the space for the name has not been filled and there is no date. Based on details of the design, I estimate that this sword dates to c.1880-1895. The general form of the sword is that of a late-Victorian heavy cavalry officer's sword, but the guard is inspired by earlier 'Celtic hilts', which is appropriate for the Glasgow provenance. The grip has the pre-1895 back piece. Overall condition is good. Patina to all steel parts and some remnants of silver paint remaining to the inside of the guard. The grip is in average condition, having lost the main twist wire and the shagreen having a small split. Everything is solid with no movement.
