Scottish Field Officers Broadsword

A very good Highland Light Infantry Scottish Field Officers Broadsword

The sword of Lieutenant Colonel Roland Charles Greenwood, The Highland Light Infantry.

He was born in 1880, the son of Sir Granville George Greenwood, the Liberal MP for Peterborough.

He joined the Highland Light Infantry in 1900 and served in the Boer War, being awarded the Queens South Africa medal (as Lieut.), bars South Africa 1902, South Africa 1901, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony;

In late 1902 he was posted to Khartoum and seconded into the Egyptian Army. During his time in Egypt he was appointed Governor of Kordofan in the Sudan and for his services was awarded the Order of The Nile.

He served in WW1, being Mentioned In Despatches twice, (London Gazette 28/6/17 and 23/10/18) (both as Major)

He died in 1949.

The sword, produced by WIlkinson of Pall Mall in July 1900, is in good untouched condition, being fitted with the scarce scroll hilted acanthus basket guard of 1857 Pattern, with chequered pommel and backpiece. The nut removable for the fitting of a full basket hilt, or regimental cross guard. The grip of shagreen bound with twistwire. The grip is in very good condition overall. The plated guard, pommel and backpiece with some loss of finish. No movement between blade and hilt. Retaining its scarce original crimson liner.

The polished steel blade in overall very good condition, with Wilkinson makers details and proof slug. Twin fullers at the ricasso with a long central fuller to the main blade. It carries the regimental badge of the Highland Light Infantry, and is further decorated with thistle and floral decoration. Some light areas of staining which could be improved upon.

Housed in the correct steel mounted brown leather field scabbard with ball drag.

Supplied with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Ledger page, confirming the original owner, and a digital image of Greenwood in full dress uniform wearing this very sword.

A fine example, worthy of further research, and easily improved with some light TLC.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.