British 74th HLI
Place of Origin: British Isles
Date: c.1850
Overall Length: 37.5”, blade 32”
Ref #1004
Description:
This is a very rare regimentally marked pattern 1828 Highland Sword. It is marked with the rack number 74 over 4 over 11 (?), identifying it to the 74th Highland Regiment of Foot which was first raised in 1787 and then in 1881 amalgamated with the 71st Highland Light Infantry to form the 1st and 2nd battalions of the Highland Light Infantry.
The vast majority of 1828 pattern basket hilted swords we see are officer’s swords, that have been privately purchased, with etched blades and silver-plated hilts etc. This sword appears to have been owned by the Regiment for use by a sergeant or a rank and file infantry man.
This sword is in excellent untouched condition. The hilt has a rich brown patina and the remains of the green regimental paint surviving on many parts of the guard. The blade is an unmarked broadsword blade with a single fuller and a spectacular black patina. The wire bound wooden grip and buff leather lining is original and in a solid untouched condition. This is an exceptional sword in a very nice untouched state of preservation.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/74th_(Highland)_Regiment_of_Foot
