The 42nd began as a police force. After the Jacobite rising of 1715, General George Wade was authorized in 1725 to raise independent companies of Highlanders to keep watch on the glens, guard against cattle raiding and enforce the Disarming Act. Their sombre dark tartan is the usual explanation for the Gaelic name they were given, Am Freiceadan Dubh, the Black Watch. In 1739–40 the companies were formed into a regiment of the line and mustered near Aberfeldy as the 43rd Foot. A renumbering in 1749 made it the 42nd, the number these Highlanders carried to America.

The battalion company advances together. The officer leads with his sword drawn, pointing the way forward, and the sergeant comes on with his halberd raised. Six Highlanders follow, one levelling his musket to fire, the rest at a steady advance with bayonets fixed. They wear blue bonnets, red coats with the buff facings of the 42nd before 1758, dark Government-sett tartan and red-and-white diced hose. Each carries a broadsword and a linen haversack. Add 42 Highland Regiment of Foot to bring the battalion up to strength. Put Grenadier Company 42nd Highland Regiment on the right of the line, with the second grenadier set beside them.

Tradition of London set 613. Officer, sergeant and six Highlanders, eight foot figures on square gloss bases. 54mm scale (approximately 1/30). All toy soldiers cast in quality white metal and individually hand-painted in gloss enamels. Packed in the Classic Tradition Red Box. Please allow 2–3 weeks for shipping.