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Masonic Apron Meeting Walter Scott Uniform of Volunteers Swordcane

Swordcane belonging to Robert Burns

Swordcane which belonged to Robert Burns while he was working as an Excise Officer in Dumfries.

Made to resemble a walking stick, the swordcane has an ashwood casing with a blade of steel inserted into handle. Handle has a silver disc set into the head, engraved with "R. Burns". Used as a defensive weapon while working as an Exciseman.

Colonel James Glencairn Burns, son of the Poet, wrote to James Ballantyne in a letter (LSH 680/92) dated 25 May, no year given [?1862?] from Cheltenham regarding "the swordcane of my Father which he usually carried when in the Excise".

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