Scottish Highlander Officer’s Sword – Universal Swords

In 1828 the British Army standardized the traditional Scottish Basket-Hilt sword for the Highlander Regiments. These standardized swords were issued to NCOs. Wealthier Officers were largely expected to purchase their own blades.

The British Army established the Highlander Regiments after the catastrophic Scottish defeat of Culloden in 1746. Though the Jacobites and their Bonnie Prince Charlie were defeated, the British knew that resentment and Scottish nationalism would continue to simmer. The British Highlander regiments were initially established from Scots loyal to The Crown to keep the peace. In time they would be called upon to serve in the British line of battle in the North American theatre of the Seven Years War and in the colonization of India. They also served in the Peninsular Campaign and at Waterloo.

This recreated Highlander Regimental sword has a blade of unsharpened, tempered steel.The blade bears decorative motifs common to British blades at the time, in particular the emblem of the British Crown and the inset six-pointed star. This star common to British and American blades of the time is a proof of quality mark, and was meant to associate the blade with the middle east and the reputed quality of swords from that region. A close look into the inset part of the star bears the word Proven.

The basket hilt is of steel bars and is lined with stiff red velvet and adorned with blue ribbons. The grip is wrapped with black leather and overlaid with twisted steel wire. The scabbard is of steel and has two integrated steel hanging rings.