History for sale: Jacobite sword set to fetch £30,000
A 400-YEAR-OLD sword engraved with a Jacobite motto is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at auction in Edinburgh this week.
The silver-mounted basket-hilted sword dates to about 1620, just 17 years after the Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England.
A series of silver mounts added in the early 17th century and around 1707, including thistles and a St Andrew’s cross, show it belonged to generations of an important Jacobite family.
The original owners made no secret of their allegiance to the Stuart royals.
One motto emblazoned on the weapon reads “Prosperity to Schotland, No union, God save ye Kings James VIII”.
The “important” weapon was part of the collection of the late sword expert, the Baron Earlshall.
It will go under the hammer at Lyon & Turnbull’s sale of Scottish Silver & Applied Arts on Wednesday, valued at £20,000-£30,000.
Colin Fraser, Lyon & Turnbull’s specialist in arms and armour and Jacobite memorabilia, said: “Items with links to the Jacobite cause are very popular at the moment.
“However, it is the rarities, such as the sword in our sale, that really catches people’s imagination.
“While there is much to be discussed around the Earlshall sword, including its early provenance, it is certain it is a historically important piece of Scottish arms, reflecting a key moment in the country’s history.”
A group of blades, engraved with strong Jacobite sentiment, is thought to have been commissioned on the Continent for distribution around Scotland to capitalise on the growing anti-union sentiment. The sword is thought to be connected to the highly important “Twysden Sword” in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
The fine silver encrusted basket hilted sword is believed to have belonged to Sir William Twysden (1566-1628), who was closely connected with the Royal Stuart court and was knighted by King James I in 1603.
It is said to offer an insight into not just the traditions of use and significance of swords in Scotland, but also reflects the long-standing pride Jacobite families held across the generations.
Mr Fraser added: “While it cannot be said the Earlshall sword is by the same hand it must be agreed the similarities in style offer a close connection.”