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