British Basket Hilt Cavalry

[celtan]

Thank you guys,

I knew that I would get a worthy answer specifically from you both. Cathey is the local basket-hilt guru, and you Jim, is there something blade-related that you don't know about?

: )

Now, that would not explain the existence of similar blades mounted on different basket hilts, unless it was a deliberate attempt to mislead. I had the suspicion that there would be some sort of english/scottish military unit, which was issued this type of sword for ceremonies, which would account for the victorian blade.

So, these hilts do not follow a particular pattern, that can be traced to an unit?

Best regards.

Manuel Luis

Originally Posted by Cathey

Hi Guys,

I believe the Basket to be Scottish c1750 Glasgow school, however the blade is Victorian and not original to the basket. That said, if is common to see earlier blades married to latter hilts, (a common practice where a family sword would be updated in use). It appears that the Scott’s cared more for the blade than the hilt, and I have a number of early swords with even earlier blades.

I must say that recently I am seeing a lot of Victorian blades married to hilts much earlier and then being sold as original via a number of well known dealers. Having declared the sword hilt to be Scottish, I say this with the understanding that it was most likely used by Scottish regiments in the service of the British hence the confusion. When ever you see pronounced shoulders on a blade close to the grip, more than likely it will be Victorian although early in this period.

I would recommend contacting the Baron of Earlshall for a definitive answer though. His web site is http://www.thescottishbaskethiltedsword.co.uk/

Cheers Cathey