Black Highland Broad Sword

corrado26 · 5th February 2021, 09:20 AM

I've got some years ago this sword which has a blackened hilt and blade. Does anybody know what was the reason for this?

kronckew · 5th February 2021, 10:51 AM

Black Watch?

(Just kidding, couldn't resist, da debble made me do it.)

Might be for corrosion resistance.

AHorsa · 5th February 2021, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

Black Watch?

(Just kidding, couldn't resist, da debble made me do it.)
.

From the images it looks like it was painted over the rust. So I am with Kronckew - maybe a later corrision resistance.

Will M · 5th February 2021, 03:32 PM

People will paint anything if it's rusty so it will display better in their view.
Luckily they did not go at it with power tools and coarse sandpaper that leaves deep scratches/gouges.

Philip · 5th February 2021, 07:24 PM

Years ago I read in Wallace's Scottish Swords and Daggers that most Highland hilts were originally made with an applied finish -- russeting (akin to the browning used on contemporaneous firearms) or "japanning" (a type of black lacquer-like paint). The author states that during the Victorian era, a lot of swords were aggressively cleaned to make a bright finish that was preferred for decorative purposes. (likely that by then, the older swords had seen enough wear, tear, and exposure to the elephants as to make their owners think that a good cleaning was warranted anyway).

kronckew · 5th February 2021, 08:55 PM

Phil, the Scots were rather fond of cleaving Sassenach elephants in twain.

Jim McDougall · 6th February 2021, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip

Years ago I read in Wallace's Scottish Swords and Daggers that most Highland hilts were originally made with an applied finish -- russeting (akin to the browning used on contemporaneous firearms) or "japanning" (a type of black lacquer-like paint). The author states that during the Victorian era, a lot of swords were aggressively cleaned to make a bright finish that was preferred for decorative purposes. (likely that by then, the older swords had seen enough wear, tear, and exposure to the elephants as to make their owners think that a good cleaning was warranted anyway).

OK Philip!!I was right with ya with Wallace, the japanning etc.......but what the!!? elephant exposure????
Something my Highland ancestors did not leave to me in their memoirs?

Philip · 6th February 2021, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

elephant exposure????
Something my Highland ancestors did not leave to me in their memoirs?

Maybe there were no elephants inhabiting their clan turf.

M ELEY · 6th February 2021, 06:46 AM

Hmm, Hannibal paying a visit to Scotland, eh?

kronckew · 6th February 2021, 09:26 AM

People who have gone into harms way, combat, are occasionally said to have 'seen the elephant'.

5th February 2021, 09:20 AM	#1
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,204	Black Highland Broad Sword I've got some years ago this sword which has a blackened hilt and blade. Does anybody know what was the reason for this? Attached Images

5th February 2021, 10:51 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Black Watch? (Just kidding, couldn't resist, da debble made me do it.) Might be for corrosion resistance.

5th February 2021, 03:32 PM	#4
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 391	People will paint anything if it's rusty so it will display better in their view. Luckily they did not go at it with power tools and coarse sandpaper that leaves deep scratches/gouges.

5th February 2021, 07:24 PM	#5
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Years ago I read in Wallace's Scottish Swords and Daggers that most Highland hilts were originally made with an applied finish -- russeting (akin to the browning used on contemporaneous firearms) or "japanning" (a type of black lacquer-like paint). The author states that during the Victorian era, a lot of swords were aggressively cleaned to make a bright finish that was preferred for decorative purposes. (likely that by then, the older swords had seen enough wear, tear, and exposure to the elephants as to make their owners think that a good cleaning was warranted anyway).

5th February 2021, 08:55 PM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Phil, the Scots were rather fond of cleaving Sassenach elephants in twain.

6th February 2021, 06:46 AM	#9
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,097	Hmm, Hannibal paying a visit to Scotland, eh?

6th February 2021, 09:26 AM	#10
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	People who have gone into harms way, combat, are occasionally said to have 'seen the elephant'.