Lot 398
An 18th century silver hilted small sword of Jacobite interest
Auction: 26 August 2008 at 15:00 BST
Description
with George III period London hallmarks to the knuckle guard, of traditional form, the grip bound with a double twist of silver wire, having chased decoration on the reversed hand guard and pommel, the triangular section blade with remains of blued and gilt decoration with a 'C' surmounted by a royal crown with a stylised thistle above, with a later black leather scabbard with silver mounts Glasgow 1858 - 59; together with the book 'Prince Charlie and the Borderland'
Dimensions
overall length 87.5cm, blade length 67cm
Footnote
Provenance: bought at Dowells Auctioneers, George Street, Edinburgh
Collection of William Sinclair
Mrs. Hays of Crosby Lodge
References: appears and illustrated in 'Prince Charlie and the Borderland' 1928 pages 209 and 264: '... small sword is described as a court rapier said to have once been in the possession of Prince Charles Edward Stewart the Young Pretender'..
Notes: This sword appears to date from Prince Charles Edward Stewart's time in the exile in France after fleeing Scotland in 1746. the Royal Cypher and symbols detailed in gilt to the blade show greatly his opinion of being the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.
The guard has been fitted in reverse at some period prior to 1928 as it appears in the photograph with the guard reversed.
Prince Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) was the last of the Stewart dynasty to attempt to regain the throne for the exiled king. His attempt failed at Culloden battlefield on the 16th April 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil.