18th Century Scottish basket hilt with cavalry saber blade

Jim McDougall · 28th September 2020, 04:01 AM

This basket hilt appears to be one of the military form produced by Nathaniel Jeffries in London around 1750-1760 to infantry privates, and most notably to the 42nd Highlanders ('Black Watch'). While it seems these were also produced by Drury there as well, it is unclear which actually produced this one as it does not have the original blade.
Also, there are no apparent issue marks on the hilt.

It would be plausible that this sword was in use from 1750 to 1770s when these ceased being issued to infantry. What is intriguing with this example is that it had its working life extended with being remounted with a M1788 British light cavalry blade. The cross section of the blade is 'montmorency' style which suggests a blade by James Wooley of Birmingham who favored this form in his 1788 blades, but this seems a bit heavier and unmarked.

It seems unusual to see a curved cavalry blade mounted in an otherwise 'infantry' basket hilt, but I have seen one other like this about 30 years ago. This one was an acquisition in late 70s.

Would appreciate any thoughts or if anyone else has seen one of these c. 1750 London military basket hilts with cavalry blade.

28th September 2020, 04:01 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,943	18th Century Scottish basket hilt with cavalry saber blade This basket hilt appears to be one of the military form produced by Nathaniel Jeffries in London around 1750-1760 to infantry privates, and most notably to the 42nd Highlanders ('Black Watch'). While it seems these were also produced by Drury there as well, it is unclear which actually produced this one as it does not have the original blade. Also, there are no apparent issue marks on the hilt. It would be plausible that this sword was in use from 1750 to 1770s when these ceased being issued to infantry. What is intriguing with this example is that it had its working life extended with being remounted with a M1788 British light cavalry blade. The cross section of the blade is 'montmorency' style which suggests a blade by James Wooley of Birmingham who favored this form in his 1788 blades, but this seems a bit heavier and unmarked. It seems unusual to see a curved cavalry blade mounted in an otherwise 'infantry' basket hilt, but I have seen one other like this about 30 years ago. This one was an acquisition in late 70s. Would appreciate any thoughts or if anyone else has seen one of these c. 1750 London military basket hilts with cavalry blade. Attached Images