September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
According to a letter written to Walter O'Connor from Herbert G. Houze, who once owned the piece, the McLaren family settled in Perth, Ontario, sometime between 1810 and 1812. Robert McLaren, the original owner, had served as an officer in the Royal Army and was given at least three land grants in Canada. He is buried in the Perth Cemetery. His son, Robert founded the McLaren Distillery. His grandson, John, inherited the distillery and expanded the business. John McLaren was also one of the founding directors of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Herb Houze acquired the sword from John McLaren's son, Lloyd McLaren, who was Herb Houze's second cousin. Herb eventually sold the sword to Al Kelley, who sold in in 1971. A letter from Herbert Houze, information on Perth, and copies of the ads where the sword was for sale, are included. The sword has an unmarked blade of 18-1/8" closed and 35" open, the folding portion is sharpened on both edges and measures 16-3/4". The sword is circa 1750 and was probably made to be easily transportable. After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Scotsmen were denied the right to bear arms. As a folder, it is almost half of the length of a non-folding example and could easily be concealed beneath a cloak. The hilt is of typical Highland form with five branches. The conical pommel is engraved with panels of designs. The wood grip still retains its original leather wrap, as well as the original leather liner. The sword is in very good condition with dark grey patina overall. The grip has some minor flaking to the surface and the liner is detached, but present. This is an extremely scarce sword identified to the original owner.
Item Dimensions: 25" L.