NAM.2005-12-39-1

Basket hilted broadsword carried by Capt Colin Campbell Mackay of Bighouse, 1805 (c)-1806 (c). Hilt is brass with a silver gilt grenade emblem, the grip is wire-wound fishskin. Blade is double edged with a near full-length fuller on each side. Stamped into the fuller are the words, 'Gebruder Fabrikanten in Solingen'. Buff leather piece is still present. Sword is identified in literature as a Pattern 1798 broadsword. Capt Mackay commanded the Grenadier Company of 2nd Bn 78th Regiment of Foot, 1805-1814. Previously he commanded the Bighouse (Mackay) Company or the Reay Fencible Regiment, known as Lord Reay's Highlanders, and served in the 52nd Regiment of Foot. He served in Calabria in 1806, was present at the siege of Maida and the capture of Catrone. With the 78th Regiment he fought in Egypt, 1807, including the attack on the heights of Alexandria, the siege of Rosetta and the actions at El hamet where he was wounded and taken prisoner (20/21 April 1807).