Perthshire Earl’s sword expected to fetch £15,000 at auction
ByThe Courier Reporter
John Campbell, 1st Marquis of Breadalbane and the sword he was presented with by his soldiers.
A sword presented to a Perthshire aristocrat by soldiers he commanded in Ireland is to go under the hammer.
It is expected to fetch up to £15,000 when it goes up for sale at Bonhams next sale of Antique Arms and Armour on November 27 in London.
The rare silver-gilt and enamel mounted small-sword was gifted to Colonel John Campbell, 4th Earl of Breadalbane by the 2nd Battalion, 4th Fencible Infantry in 1799.
It is a tangible tribute by his men to their respected leader and carries an inscription which reads: “1799 Presented by the Non Commissioned Officers & Private Soldiers of the 2d Batt 4th Fen.le Infy to their Col. the Earl of Breadal-bane As A Testimony of their Esteem for hs Person & Respect for his Noble liberal & Soldierlike conduct while serving with them in Ireland.”
John Campbell, 1st Marquis of Breadalbane (1762-1834) raised the Regiment of Fencibles and served as lieutenant-colonel in Ireland becoming colonel in 1802, major-general in 1809 and lieutenant-general in 1814.
The sword was made by John Prosser (circa 1796-1837) of Charing Cross, London.
Perthshire Earl’s sword expected to fetch £15,000 at auction
