Scottish Claymore sword with decorated blade from the 1890s. Blade is engraved on both sides typical of a Scottish Highland tradition. Made by Crean & Rowan.
Sword and Scabbard (sword with a steel blade, magnetic, ornate design on both sides, marked on the ricasso, pebbled grip with seven rows of silver-coloured springy wire in the recesses of the ribbed grip, padded insert placed within the magnetic metal guard, scattered surface rust on the blade, measuring approximately 980 mm in length; scabbard in magnetic metal scabbard with ball finial, two bands with rings, measuring approximately 810 mm in length. The red tassels, intended to hang from the knob of the basket, is missing.
This sword is more correctly called a Scottish infantry basket hilted broad sword. The word Claymore, although meaning a double-handed sword usually worn down the centre of the back, has been used by the Officers in most Highland regiments around the world to describe this sword worn from the hip.
An original officer, William Campbell Macdonald was appointed Major upon joining from the Queen’s Own Rifles. He was Adjutant of Canada’s Bisley Rifle team in 1892 and a shooting member in 1896. He became the Regiment’s third Commanding Officer serving in that role from 1900 to 1906. Macdonald subsequently commanded the 16th (Toronto) Infantry Brigade in 1908 and during the First World War the 1st Canadian Infantry Training Brigade at Exhibition Camp in Toronto. On Jan. 21 1917, while seeing off Canadian Army Service Corps soldiers Brig. Macdonald was killed at Union Station by a reversing train engine.
His son, Captain Frederick William (Wyld) Macdonald, MC, VD followed his father’s footsteps, joining the 48th in 1912 at age 21. He went overseas with the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders) in 1914 and was captured at 2nd Ypres on 22 April 1915 during the first chlorine gas attack of the war. He was awarded the Military Cross. Upon repatriation to Toronto he rejoined the 48th Highlanders. When the Second World War broke out he volunteered again to serve overseas.
