Culloden Sword

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 40

Culloden Sword

t New Zealand Press Association I AUCKLAND, November 12. A 250-year-old family heirloom owned by a survivor of the Wahine disaster was recovered from the wreck yesterday. It appears to be in good condition.

A diver working in the submerged vehicle decks of the sunken ship got the heirloom. an antique Highland broadsword, from the luggage boot of the car in which it was locked. The car in which it was packed has been smashed into several pieces, most of which are buried in silt.

Apart from the sword, the car had contained about 84000 worth of other personal possessions.

The owner of the sword, Mr 1. Macdonald, a journalist, of the “New Zealand Herald," travelled to Wellington today to collect it. He handed over a $lOO reward to Mr J. David, the salvage diver who recovered the sword. Toledo Blade The sword, which has a Toledo steel blade and ornamental basket hilt, was used at the Battle of Culloden in

1746 by an ancestor of its present owner. No irreparable damage has been suffered by the 250-year-old sword.

“The temper of the blade hasn’t suffered.” said Mr Macdonald, Hexing the weapon today. “There is -some corrosion in the hilt, and the ivory ( handle has suffered but I after months on the bottom, I this is better than I had a i right to expect.” “Well Earned" I “I believe the reward was (well earned." said Mr Macjdonald. “My car was smashed to pieces and buried in silt. To have the sword back is quite ! a surprise after this length I of time.”

The blade still has a sharp and true edge to it, and there is a minimum of rust. The photograph shows Mr Macdonald with the sword in Wellington.