James Grant’s Basket Hilt Backsword

British Army Lieutenant James Grant carried this basket-hilted backsword while serving as an officer in the 77th Regiment of Foot in America during the French and Indian War. Grant, a native of Kinmachlie, Banffshire, Scotland, participated in the 77th Regiment’s successful campaign to capture Fort Duquesne (present-day Pittsburgh) from the French and their American Indian allies in 1758. The regiment later battled Native Americans fighting for their own independence against the British in 1763 in the conflict known as Pontiac’s Rebellion. Grant was part of the troops that relieved Fort Pitt and fought in the Battle of Bushy Run in August 1763. Grant retired from the British Army in 1763 and settled in Dutchess County, New York. This sword was preserved by his descendants for more than 200 years.

Object Details

• Backsword
  Unidentified Maker
  Germany or Scotland
  1740-1750
  Steel, Iron
  Museum of the American Revolution through the support of the Frances and Beverly M. DuBose Foundation, the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia, and the Museum’s Collections Society, 2018.13.03