Bonnie part of Charlie’s 1745 sword

A TINY piece of red felt from the hilt of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sword, is expected to fetch £600 at auction.

The 3.4cm triangle is said to have come from the lining of Charles’ baskethilted sword.

Dated to 1745, it was kept by a Jacobite supporter as a relic of the leader whose attempt to reclaim the throne ended with defeat at Culloden the following year.

The felt, along with a gold watch and chain, was later hidden in the trunk of a tree for safe-keeping, possibly from Hanoverian pursuers.

Colin Fraser, of auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull’s said: “Bonnie Prince Charlie was the most recognisable celebrity of his day.

“Any relic connected to him had great importance to his supporters.”