I have attached a rather poor photo of a sword which an acquaintance of mine is planning to buy. He thinks it is mid-19th c. British military. I think the dating may be accurate but I am not sure of the origin. He says the markings on it are "VI" and "WAC" which did not help me any. The engraving on the blade, just visible in the photo, is a knight on a rampant horse holding a sword in an upraised arm. The basket is brass (or bronze) and is a half basket, which he found unusual. He is particularly interested in the device on the guard, which he thinks may be a "clan crest" but I do not, being familiar with just about all of them. It reminded me, at first glance, of the flaming bomb or grenade found on the badges of most of the British fusilier regiments. A diligent search through my references, however, turned up nothing on that score.
I will see this sword next weekend and will attempt to take better photos of it at the time. If no one IDs it before then, perhaps better photos will help.
Thanks in advance for any information you may have.
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