Charles Stewart of Ardsheal's sword (Ardsheal 1701 - 1757 Sens, France)
Is this the sword that killed Rob Roy MacGregor?
This Broad sword has a Basket hilt made of iron and it still has it's original rayskin covered grip. The Basket was forged by Walter Allan of Stirling, one of the best Scottish makers, and dates to the second quarter of the 18th century. The blade is of high quality and might pre date the basket.
This sword, belonged to Charles James Stewart, 5th of Ardsheal who led the Appin Regiment during the '45. The regiment comprised approximately 300 men, linked up with Prince Charles Edward's army at Invergarry in August 1745. The Regiment fought in all four of the main battles of the '45 which included: Prestonpans and Clifton Moor in 1745, Falkirk Muir and Culloden in 1746. At Culloden the Regiment joined the 'Highland Charge' with the men of Atholl and the Camerons on the Jacobite right wing and were involved in the fierce hand to hand fighting with the British Army's left flank.
Although Charles Stewart of Ardsheal was described as being of very heavy build he was considered to be one of the finest swordsmen in Scotland.
Indeed this sword shows obvious signs of having been damaged during battle. The Basket has damage that has been repaired by attaching a plate to the inside of the Basket. The most likely scenario is that the sword was damage during one of the first three battles of the '45 as Charles would have had the time to get the break repaired before the next battle. The major unrepaired damage to both the sword and basket was likely caused during the fierce fighting at Culloden as it was unlikely that after the battle there would be an opportunity to get the damage repaired.
And what is the connection with the infamous Rob Roy MacGregor?
Rob Roy and Charles Stewart fought a duel with swords. According to the Dewer MSS some time during 1734 Charles Stewart and Rob Roy had a chance meeting at an inn near Balquhidder and had a disagreement about how active a part Rob Roy and his men had actually played during the '15 Rising.
At this time duels were not necessarily fights to the death but the winner was the man who drew first blood. Charles cut Rob Roy's chin so was declared the victor and was the first man to beat Rob Roy. Rob died some time later.
It is recorded that Charles Stuart had a sword he called 'the Turk' but it seems he only had this sword while he was in France. A few years ago Paul MacDonald, sword maker and Master-at-arms conserved a sword believed to be Charles Stewart's sword. Both of these swords are nearly identical. Therefore either one of the two swords was likely the one involved in this duel.
Added 23 October 2022