Watch and sword, owned by Sir John Campbell

This sword and gold watch of Major General Sir John Campbell who was killed in 1855 during the Crimean War. They were returned by the Russians under a flag of truce.

The sword's hilt is of the pattern introduced in 1822 for wear by officers of non-Highland infantry regiments. Its hilt incorporates the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, indicating that it was mounted upon its Spanish blade - which dates from 1812 and was made in Toledo - after 1837. The watch is cased in 18 carat gold.

Campbell was shot dead whilst leading his men, sword drawn, in the failed assault on the Redan fort at Sevastopol. His sword and watch were passed from a Russian boat to a boat of HMS St Jean D'Acre, both flying white flags of truce, in the harbour of Sevastopol. Mutual respect, particularly between senior officers, could occasionally result in such acts of consideration in the aftermath of battle.

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