Scottish basket hilt elements

[Jim McDougall]

While the title Scottish 'basket hilt' suggest hilt only, of course we refer to the sword entirely.

Noting the magical or inherent character of the blades as pertains to those on the imported blades typically used (only several instances of blades actually made in Scotland exist, despite the "Highlander' movie) was a key element, a few notes must be made.

The name Andrea Ferara has long been a matter of contention, whether this was an actual person, or simply an eponym denoting high quality to a blade, much in the manner of 'Eisenhauer' on many later German blades.

While the name 'Andrea' suggests the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew, and Ferara of course in Latin means iron (ferrous) thus 'true steel (iron). ....it is known that there was actually an Italian bladesmith by this name in Belluno in the late 16th c. He and his brother Donato worked together though at the forge of another maker.
While negotiating contracts for blades with Scottish clients, it seems that perhaps the conveniently inferred name rang true with the Scots and became in demand. While the actual outcome of this apocryphal story is unclear, it seems that Solingen, innovative as ever, played on this in the blades they began supplying the Scots with. There was even the myth expanded to say that Andrea Ferara was for a time in Spain, adding to the inherent Spanish dimension toward magical properties etc....even carried further to having him actually set up shop in Scotland, both entirely unproven and unlikely.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Jim.
First lot from Kelvingrove Museum all with German made blades.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Jim,
Second lot from Kelvingrove Museum, can't remember blade origins I'm afraid. Will try to get to Kelvingrove and retrieve more information as soon as I can.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Jim,
My only Scottish broadsword discussed here http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...17thC+scottish
Regards,
Norman.

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you Norman!! I knew I could count on ye!!!
These are so breathtaking, as are all basket hilts! It is so overwhelming seeing so many at once, though in looking at them I want to individually itemize the various features and elements to learn more on them.

I recall Dr. Mazansky when writing his book, was following the path of Nick Norman in categorizing the character of hilts by period and features. I was hoping for more historical background and perhaps developmental notes, but his work is profoundly useful in itemizing categoric forms and character of elements for discussion. His glossary of terminology and nomenclature is extremely useful.

Your example shown is amazing! and the blade fascinating as the running wolf is not widely seen on Scot blades and with ANNO etc. As noted, these are all 17th century German blades and interesting variations. I am trying to find the references noting the talismanic properties of these often familiar markings on blades. I have long believed personally that the 'running wolf' of Passau, later Solingen, was a talismanic marking placed on blades in these types of thinking.

I noticed one of the hilts was in brass. I had always thought the brass hilts came about in the Napoleonic period with the swords for officers in the Highland units. Apparently there were instances of brass hilts as early as 1721, possibly earlier, and the challenging weather up there often called for more durability in hilts, with japanning or browning common, so as with naval hilts for damp climates, brass seems understandable.
I think the only prohibition in using brass is the softness of the metal not standing up well in combative interaction.

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thank you Norman!! I knew I could count on ye!!!
These are so breathtaking, as are all basket hilts! It is so overwhelming seeing so many at once, though in looking at them I want to individually itemize the various features and elements to learn more on them.

Hi Jim,
I will try at get to Kelvingrove within the next two or three weeks and photograph the complete swords with the relevant info as per the museum description hoping to give you a bit more to go on.
Regards,
Norman.

[Jim McDougall]

Thats great Norman!!! I very much appreciate that! Im hoping to get together some sort of collective base of info on these, as for those few of us interested the references are hard to get, and even then answers are hard to find.
best,
Jim

Your excellent example, especially with unique blade, is an unusual form of Glasgow hilt, with the S element in place of shield. While often these types of elements have had attempts to distinguish them as representing 'Stirling' or even, 'Scotland, which is far too patronizing...they are noted as simply decorative shapes.
The page is from "Culloden: The Sword and the Sorrows" , which catalogues items of the 1996 exhibition.

The second from "Scottish Swords and Dirks" John Wallace, 1970, p.24 shows an example with interesting apparently earlier form with this feature as in second half 17th c. This suggests the development of these hilts likely further back than the turn of the century and that the Glasgow style pierced shields style likely began c 1680s-90s? being well evolved by the turn of the century into early years of 18th.
The 'S' would appear to be a carry over from the earlier hilts and likely among Glasgow's regional hammermen.