EL6616 - A fantastic cross-hilted Highland Light Infantry officer's 'claymore' by Wilkinson, carried by 2nd Lieutenant John Michie (pictured) of the 15th battalion Highland Light Infantry. Michie was born at the Royal estate of Balmoral on 28 August 1887, the son of one of Queen Victoria's royal gardeners on the Balmoral Estate, also called John Michie. The younger John Michie, who owned this sword, served with the HLI on the Western Front and died on 15 July 1917, age 29, killed in action ( https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/ca...
). The sword was obtained from the Michie family, and the provenance established thereby - the Wilkinson record only lists the sword as being sold for an officer of the 15th battalion of the HLI, but we know it to have been specifically for Michie in this case.
The sword itself is Wilkinson's best quality, with broadsword blade and HLI cross-hilt and pommel. The blade, with extensive and detailed etching, has been service sharpened the full front edge and a few inches down the back edge at the tip. It is in excellent condition, with a brightly polished blade, and the hilt is also in good condition. There is a little bit of movement in the grip, but the pommel screws on, so this would be easy to remedy if so desired. Complete with matching original scabbard, featuring the claymore chape. A wonderful sword with lots of research potential and a cast iron provenance connected to direct Royal service.
