Highland Field Officer's Sword By Wilkinson, of a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seaforth Highlanders

A stunning example of a Highland Field Officer's sword, featuring the characteristic 'scroll' hilt (Scinde pattern) in plated steel, with a straight double-edged 'claymore' blade, made by Wilkinson in 1889. The sword was ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Henry Brooke-Hunt in 1889, after extensive service in Afghanistan and Egypt with the 72nd Highlanders/Seaforth Highlanders. This sword was presumably a replacement for an earlier sword.

Hart's Annual Army List of 1896 records Lieut-Colonel Robert Brooke Hunt on the Reserve of Officers (retired) and lists his services:

"Lt. Colonel R. H. Brooke-Hunt served with the 72nd Highlanders in the Afghan war from March 1879 till January 1880 with the Koorum and Cabul Field Forces, and was present in the engagement at Charasiab (mentioned in despatches), and in the operations around Cabul in December 1879 (Medal with two Clasps). Served with the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders in the Egyptian war of 1882, and was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with Clasp, and Khedive's Star)."

DNW auctioned Brooke-Hunt's medals in 2013 and give a very full overview of his military career, including the events behind his being mentioned in despataches:
https://www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/lot-archive/lot.php?department=Medals&lot_id=232917

The sword itself is in excellent condition, with bright plating over all steel surfaces, with only minor blemishes and some wear to the plating where the hand rubs the backstrap in use/carrying. Brooke-Hunt's crest and motto, as well as all the other etching is clear under the plating and everything is solid and tight. There is a little loss and movement to the silver grip wire, but that is the only detracting feature worth noting. Complete with matching plated scabbard. A truly stunning sword that is lovely in the hand and hints at the weapon ordered by a soldier who had seen years of service.