Hello,
I've been a long-time lurker here having had a long-time interest in weapons.
Originally, I was into medieval/fantasy role-playing games when I was a kid in the early '80s. My interest grew into collecting and painting of fantasy/historical miniatures and a small collection of swords and bayonettes. I have also had a strong interest in my Scottish ancestry and that led to the purchase of this sword in about 1988:

It appeared in the window of a shop that is used to pass every day on the way to work and I was the first person to ask about it. I think the lady in the shop liked me as I used to say hello to her every day. Anyway, It ticked a big box in my Scottish interest.
She sold it to me for $120 AUD- A big chunk of my 17 y/o 1988 wage. I was pretty sure I had a good bargain.
I don't know exactly what it is other than, perhaps, a Blackwatch officer 's sword...?
Here's some more pictures that may help someone to identify it correctly.











So, thanks in advance for any information.

It is an 1828 pattern broadsword. However, and I am fairly certain of this from looking at your photos, it is an Indian-made reproduction. There is sword identical to this one propped in the corner a few feet from where I am sitting, writing this post. The blade is the primary clue as the "engraving" appears to be cast or photo etched rather than engraved. As nearly as I can tell from your photos, there is no maker's mark or other identification on the blade and there would be on an original. The proof lozenge is found on better Indian reproductions. The basket liner is also different from those found on originals but identical to the liner which came with my sword. You will also notice that the six pointed star is rather off-kilter on the ricasso. The blade configuation is atypical over all. If you can obtain a copy of Harvey Withers' book The Scottish Sword 1600-1945 you will see a number of quality photos of 1828 pattern swords.

I have had one of these for the last 28 years, buying it from Track of the Wolf, and used to wear it at Highland Games on a homemade baldric. I removed the basket liner years ago. Folks have asked me if it is an original and, of course, I told them no. Even though I have since acquired a number of much more authentic basket hilts, I have hung on to this one since it was my first and only for a very long time. A photo of mine is attached.

The price you paid was reasonable so enjoy it.

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Period or reproduction; swords of the period were etched, not engraved.

Cheers

GC

I'm not sure but I think your current post indicates a belief that this sword is 19th c. Actually the sword was probably made just a few years ago. These swords are still being made and are available from several sources in the US. Most that I have seen recently are marked "India" unlike the ones you and I own. But, they are not old and have no collector's value. I think Collectors Source is asking a lot more for theirs than it is worth in today's market.

I understand completely. I have had mine for 28 years so we bought them at roughly the same time. And you are right about the value which is sentimental and keeps me from even considering selling it in spite of the fact that I now have a closet full of mostly better repro swords!

Any way, keep looking for more stuff down there but as I understand it, there are not many places in Australia to find swords. Is that correct? I actually sold one of mine to a lady for her son who lived in Australia and the shipping was almost as much as the cost of the sword. But she paid and said she was glad to get it.