Confused about this Sword, advertised as *Scottish Highlands*

[Charlie Sorrentino]

I recently won this sword in an on-line auction. It was advertised as: "A British M-1895 Infantry Officers Sword *Scottish Highlands*". Right from the start I had some doubts (The 'Model' instead of 'Pattern' and the small guard piercings suggested other than a P-1895). I dont know much about Scottish Swords, and had never seen a scabbard like this one. The sword and the scabbard both looked authentic and in good condition, so I bought the object not necessarily the story. When I received it I was pleased. Both sword and scabbard are period I believe. I have since learned from a helpful friend that the scabbard at least is likely Scottish. The sword however appears to be a P-1897 Infantry Sword. It is straight, 'dumbbell' cross section and fits the scabbard like a glove. My friend noted that while Scottish Swords of this era were usually basket hilts, they were sometimes re-hilted with a simple cross-guard. He had never heard of a P-1897 being used by a Scottish Regiment or Officer. My question, simply stated is, What have I got here?
Best, Charlie

[Will Mathieson]

You have a British 1897p infantry officers sword with mismatched Scottish scabbard.

[james.elstob]

This is made by Pillin. Does it have a serial number on the spine please?

[Will Mathieson]

It is interesting that the unplated guard shows wear from polish over the years, the crown and VR has lost its finer details. Scabbard is plated which only confirms a mismatch.

[Charlie Sorrentino]

Gentlemen, thank you for your thoughts. I agree completely with Will's surmise that this is a mismatched combination of a British P-1897 Sword with a Scottish Scabbard.
James, Thank you for the Pillin name. No there is no number on the spline.
Best, Charlie

[JV Puleo]

My friend noted that while Scottish Swords of this era were usually basket hilts, they were sometimes re-hilted with a simple cross-guard. He had never heard of a P-1897 being used by a Scottish Regiment or Officer. My question, simply stated is, What have I got here?
Best, Charlie

The simple cross guard was commonly supplied with the swords, I believe for wear when in Mess uniform or on formal occasions — like a ball — where wearing a basket hilt could be hazardous to all around. The pommel simply unscrews, which allows the hilt to be easily changed. You don't often see them with both hilts but I have seen a couple...

[Charlie Sorrentino]

Joe, It is nice to hear from you. Not surprising that you are a member, particularly with the work you have done on the American Eagle swords. I had not understood that the Scottish basket hilt swords often had a ball cap that unscrewed, allowing the simple cross guard to be used. On the British Militaria Swords Forum, Russ posted a photo of a Scottish sword with both basket and simple cross guard as received from the sword maker. I understand that there are still a few with both elements, but that most either did not come with the additional cross guard or had them separated over the span of years.

[JV Puleo]

Yes...though I haven't much to say about swords after the Federal period. I only recognized your Scottish sword because I had one once when I was a teenager and just getting started collecting.