Scabbard

MediumLeather, wood, cord, brass & iron

DimensionsOL: 24 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-506,B

Label TextBefore the Revolutionary War era, many martial sword scabbards were made of tooled leather over a very thin wood carcass. This typical example was made for a special "Royal Welsh Fusiliers" pattern hanger during the mid-18th century. Its missing hook was secured to the wood liner, and the tip is protected by a brass chape embellished with hastily engraved lines, notches along the edge, and a rounded tip finial.

From the late 1750s until 1950, this scabbard and its companion sword formed part of the "arms display" at Flixton Hall, Suffolk, the seat of the Adair family. They were originally acquired by William Adair (1700-1783), the Regiment's "agent" who acted like their business manager.

Provenanceex. Adair of Flixton Hall (Suffolk, UK), via W. Keith Neal