September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This sword, measuring 38 3/8" overall, is the official pattern backsword issued to the enlisted men of the Highland Regiments between 1750 and 1783. This specimen's distinctive cone shaped pommel is marked (engraved) "to the First Battalion of the 42nd Regiment - The Black Watch". The Regiment's Orderly book entry for April 16th, 1759 states "The three companies here (New York) of the 2nd Battalion to have their swords lettered and numbered as soon as possible beginning with the letter 'L', the 1st BN having ended with the letter 'K'". These swords are seldom found today and rarely do their unit markings remain. The writer knows of only six with the 42nd designation that have a period inscription. The blades were manufactured by Drury of London and "Iefries" (Jeffries). Each side of the 32-1/8" steel blade with a deep single fuller is deeply struck with "(crown) / GR / DRURY". The blade on the subject sword has never been dismounted. Attesting to this is its pommel "button" having its full bulbous configuration; this would have been partially filed flat in order to free the tang of the blade which has peened-over when original mounted in the hilt. The pommel is engraved "42 / I / 67", the "I" signifies the company and the "67" is the number assigned to the individual soldier whose name would appear opposite it on the equipment issue rolls. The present wooden grip is a vestige of the original and is not two pieces clam-shelled together. This reduction of the original cylindrical grip, which was leather covered and twisted-wire wrapped, may have been caused by deterioration, perhaps worm damage, or perhaps some later non-military owner's hand was too large to fit comfortably in the basket. The sword is in good condition, overall, with a freckled grey patina with some scattered pitting and nicks to edge. Markings on blade are very good and pommel markings are also quite clear. Grip is devoid of leather wrap. This sword was part of the "Clash of Empires" exhibit at the Senator John Heinz History Center, in partnership with the Smithsonian, in Pittsburgh, PA. It was also included in the "Unconquered: History Meets Hollywood at Fort Pitt" exhibit at the Fort Pitt Museum. For a similar example, see Don Troiani's "Soldiers in America: 1754-1865" on page 16.
Item Dimensions: 38" L.