1630s English basket hilts

urbanspaceman · 20th October 2023, 10:55 AM

Hi Jim.
Well mentioned; it has long been my belief that many Reivers carried a schiavona.
I am certain Peter has details of the mercenary activities of the disinherited and outlawed border clans who were available for hire abroad.
Equally, as you point out, the obsession with Andrea Ferara blades and Bonnie Prince Charlie strengthens the Italian connection.
I should add this into the mix:
It is interesting that the first nationwide mention of a basket hilt referred to it as "Irish" because there is also this recently suggested business of 'mortuary' hilts being made in Islay which was the original home of the Dalriadic tribes that encompassed North Eastern Eire as well as Argyle.
I'm sniffing around this issue.

20th October 2023, 10:55 AM	#24
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 530	Schiavona and Reiver Hi Jim. Well mentioned; it has long been my belief that many Reivers carried a schiavona. I am certain Peter has details of the mercenary activities of the disinherited and outlawed border clans who were available for hire abroad. Equally, as you point out, the obsession with Andrea Ferara blades and Bonnie Prince Charlie strengthens the Italian connection. I should add this into the mix: It is interesting that the first nationwide mention of a basket hilt referred to it as "Irish" because there is also this recently suggested business of 'mortuary' hilts being made in Islay which was the original home of the Dalriadic tribes that encompassed North Eastern Eire as well as Argyle. I'm sniffing around this issue.