Oval Ring in Scottish Basket hilts

Jim McDougall · 24th July 2021, 12:15 AM

In the mid 18th century, various forms of Scottish basket hilts were produced for Scots in the British army units. These were produced in the 'garrison' towns in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh etc. and some in London and Birmingham.

It seems this oval aperture appeared around 1735-40, and prevailed until c.1780. The blades could range from 33" to as long as 39" and it is generally held that the aperture was for holding the reins during discharge of pistol in action or whatever was required in the moment.

This example (I will add dimensions later) has a very long blade and the hilt is in the 'Glasgow' style by the character of the designs and structure. One very similar is shown in "The British Basket Hilted Cavalry Sword" A.D.Darling, 'Canadian Journal of Arms Collecting', Vol.7, #3.

Darling believes the oval ring appeared c. 1735-40, but John Wallace ("Scottish Swords and Dirks", 1970) shows an example by Thomas Gemmill somewhat earlier possibly, also Glasgow hilt.

In Wallace (#41) another example c. 1750 has the feature and shown carried by trooper of 2nd Regiment of Horse in a painting of that date by David Morier.

There are of course many variations of British basket hilt cavalry swords of the 18th century, but these holding to Scottish styling in many cases, with others being more rudimentary.

Would welcome comments, examples as always, but just thought this characteristic unusual and wanted top share this example from c. 1750. The blade is unmarked, but probably German and backsword (SE).

24th July 2021, 12:15 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,941	Oval Ring in Scottish Basket hilts In the mid 18th century, various forms of Scottish basket hilts were produced for Scots in the British army units. These were produced in the 'garrison' towns in Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh etc. and some in London and Birmingham. It seems this oval aperture appeared around 1735-40, and prevailed until c.1780. The blades could range from 33" to as long as 39" and it is generally held that the aperture was for holding the reins during discharge of pistol in action or whatever was required in the moment. This example (I will add dimensions later) has a very long blade and the hilt is in the 'Glasgow' style by the character of the designs and structure. One very similar is shown in "The British Basket Hilted Cavalry Sword" A.D.Darling, 'Canadian Journal of Arms Collecting', Vol.7, #3. Darling believes the oval ring appeared c. 1735-40, but John Wallace ("Scottish Swords and Dirks", 1970) shows an example by Thomas Gemmill somewhat earlier possibly, also Glasgow hilt. In Wallace (#41) another example c. 1750 has the feature and shown carried by trooper of 2nd Regiment of Horse in a painting of that date by David Morier. There are of course many variations of British basket hilt cavalry swords of the 18th century, but these holding to Scottish styling in many cases, with others being more rudimentary. Would welcome comments, examples as always, but just thought this characteristic unusual and wanted top share this example from c. 1750. The blade is unmarked, but probably German and backsword (SE). Attached Images