Basket hilted backsword

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Cathey

Hi Ron

Wonderful to hear from a fellow Australian collector. This is an interesting sword and whilst I have a number of basket hilts in my collection I have never come across a pommel like this one. You might consider sending some pictures to the Baron of Earlshall who is in the process of finalising a book on Basket hilts that will become the definitive reference. His website is: www.thescottishbaskethiltedsword.co.uk/. If anyone can settle the question of English or Scottish I am certain the Baron can. Personally I would put money on it being English.

In your profile, you mention that you collect edged weapons is there a specific area of sword collecting that you specialise in?

Cheers Cathey.

Hi Cathey,
I just wanted to say its good to have you posting again! Its been a while it seems so just saying hello. Also its good to hear your assessment in this being English, as I have been convinced of that as well. I have always heard the guideline that there are no Highland Scottish swords post Culloden (1746) which seems reasonable technically as weapons were of course proscribed in the Highlands.
Naturally the industrious and clever Scots certainly must have made swords covertly much as they secreted away thier treasured basket hilts, but to identify these would be the height of identificative skill.
With the formation of the Scottish regiments for the Crown and the armoury at Edinburgh, there must have been swords of course to those with associations to these cases.

I think the most heartbreaking reference is that of "Swords From the Battlefield at Culloden", where the proud blades taken from fallen Highlanders in this travesty were taken from the hilts and made into an iron fence. Here you could see the familiar Andrea Ferara, running wolf and other markings on these painted over blades.

Again, wonderful to hear from you Cathey!

All the best,
Jim