EL6331 - A very rare and attractive Yeomanry cavalry sabre, 1796 pattern, from Fettercairn House in Kincardineshire, Scotland. The heraldic crest engraved on the blade originally seems to relate to the Stuarts of Fettercairn and later to the Forbes of Pitsligo, to whom Fettercairn House passed by marriage. This sword, along with a great collection of other items was sold by the estate in 1999. It is presumed that these swords were purchased by the 6th Baronet (Sir William Forbes), or perhaps his son, during the Napoleonic Wars, in order to equip a yeomanry cavalry force. This was something that many land owners did, but it is unusual to see swords marked to these units come up for sale. This is a private trooper's version, made by Runkell of Solingen (actually Runkell was based in England, but manufactured his swords in Solingen). The sword is in very good condition, with the crest clearly engraved by hand, and the maker's name on the spine. The blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt is of slightly unusual proportions, being quite chunky compared to government weapons, and the grip is in unusually good condition for the age. Overall, I would say that this is better made than most government-procured examples. The scabbard is missing, probably because after these swords passed out of service, they were used to adorn the walls of the great house without their scabbards. A lovely and highly unusual Scottish attributed sword, with lots more research potential.
