Sword and scabbard, presented to Sir David Baird for his leadership at storming of Seringapatam

This sword and scabbard was presented to Sir David Baird in 1799 on his return from Egypt, by the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel St John and Lieutenant-Colonel Bell.

The sword has a gold and enamel hilt embellished with diamonds, while the scabbard is made of gold mounted leather. On the shellguard is an enamelled painting of the storming of Seringapatam. It is inscribed '4th May 1799'. The knuckle is mounted with an enamel cartouche and has 'Seringapatam' in diamonds.

It was very rare indeed for a sword of this quality to be given to a commander by private individuals. This gift reflected the feeling within the army that David Baird (1757-1829) had not been given due credit for the victory at Seringapatam. The sword would have been paid for from the large sum of prize money (over £1 million) that was distributed amongst the victorious army.

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