There was a military theme to yesterday’s arts and antique valuation at The Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George.
And locals responded to the popular event by bringing some of their finest possessions to be put before antique specialists Bonhams.
Dozens of items were given a thorough inspection as a steady number attended the military barracks throughout the day.
The company, which organises more than 400 specialist sales across the globe every year, inspected coins, medals, arms and armour, alongside modern sporting guns.
Some of the more prestigious items on show included Dingwall man John Ormiston’s 13th-century sword which was said to have been found in 1876 at the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
The sword is thought to have been used by an English knight who was one of a number who attempted to thwart the Scottish barricade at Stirling Bridge, but perished at the hands of the fierce natives.
It was valued between £6,000 and £9,000.
Mr Ormiston, who has had the sword in his collection for around a decade, said he was glad to learn of its authenticity by experts on hand.
He added: “I have always collected this kind of thing. The sword was recovered from the River Forth in 1873.
“Because of that, it has been preserved well in the water, as there is no oxygen to corrode it or allow it to rust away as it would in soil.”
His prized item will now enter a Bonhams sale where he hopes to fetch the valuation, which will result in a modest profit in return for what he paid.
Carrying on the theme of conflict, a set of medals were presented by Brigadier Hugh Monro which belonged to his great grand uncle.
Brigadier Monro’s collection included honours from France, Portugal, Denmark and the prestigious 1902 British Coronation medal.
He said: “I didn’t know much about his service so it has been good to learn that and it has been very interesting.
“No doubt I will now look into more as there is a lot to be looked at.”
Charles Graham-Campbell, managing director of Bonhams Scotland praised the busy nature of the event.
He was left pleasantly surprised by Mr Ormiston’s item, adding: “It’s an amazing story – it’s rather unusual to find something that old which has come from a battle.”
