˜Ⓐ A FINE GOLD-MOUNTED PRESENTATION SWORD TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL WATSON OF THE 14TH (BUCKINGHAMSHIRE) REGIMENT OF FOOT, DECEMBER 1813

with earlier curved single-edged blade of finely watered steel, encrusted with a gold cartouche on one face with a stylised rendition of the renowned bladesmith 'Asad Allah Isfahani', gold hilt chiselled in low relief, comprising a pair of recurved quillons decorated with conventional foliage, a pair of acanthus leaf langets, fluted back-strap and lionhead pommel formed in the round, original knuckle-chain, and spirally-carved ivory grip, in its gold-mounted wooden scabbard covered with crimson velvet (areas of wear), the mounts chiselled with scrolling foliage on a punched ground around the borders, comprising chape and middle-band each decorated with a large central flower, locket with an elaborate trophy-of-arms front and back, the latter carrying a plaque engraved with the presentation inscription, the scabbard edges reinforced by four strips chased en suite with the mounts, and with two rings for suspension

81.5 cm; 32 1/8 in blade

The inscription reads: Presented to Lieutenant General Watson of H.M. 14th Regiment, by the Officers who had the honour to serve under him whilst he commanded the Samerang Division in the island of Java as a testimony of their esteem, December 1813.

General Sir James Watson, K.C.B. was the son of Major John Watson, of the Royal Invalids. He was born at Chilton, Buckinghamshire, in 1772, entered the army as an ensign, 24th June 1783, and became lieutenant, 18th April 1792. He served with the 14th Regiment on the continent, under the Duke of York, in 1793 and 1794; became captain, 11th March 1795; and was engaged at the reduction of the Islands of St. Lucia and Trinidad, in 1796 and 1797. He became major, 3rd December 1802, and lieutenant-colonel, 15th May 1806. He commanded the 14th Regt. At the capture of the Isles of France and Java, including the assault and capture of Djocjocarta; commanded the expedition that captured the piratical State of Sambas in Borneo, in 1813; was at the capture of the fort of Hattras, and in the Pindaree and Mahratta wars, and actively assisted at the reduction of the fortress of Dhomone Mundela, at which latter place he led the storming party; he was also at Gurra Kotah and Asseerghur. He became colonel 4th June 1814; and major-general, 19th July 1821. He returned to England in 1827, and in 1830 proceeded again to the East Indies as a general officer on the staff; and, during the temporary absence of Lord William Bentinck, acted as commander-in-chief at Bengal, and returned to Europe in 1837, after a service of nearly 27 years in the East Indies. He became lieutenant-general 10th January 1837; colonel of the 14th Regiment, 24th May 1837, and general, 11th November 1851. He received a medal for Java, and was created a K.C.B. in 1839.

The hilt and mounts incorporate a notable weight of gold which, along with their style and execution, suggest a place of manufacture in India or South East Asia.

Property from the David Jeffcoat Collection (1945-2020)

Part proceeds to benefit Westminster Abbey