Dean Castle Arms and Armour

Scottish basket hilted sword 2

Description:

The basket-hilted Scottish claymore is probably the weapon which is most closely associated with Scotland and was the main type of sword used during the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century by Scottish soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

It evolved however from earlier English designs which had themselves been adapted from sword designs from the continent.  The blades of Scottish swords such as this were usually German in origin and the handguard (which is Scottish) would have originally been lined with stout buff leather.

Place of Production:

Scotland (hilt) and Germany (blade) probably Solingen.

Materials/Media:

steel with dogfish-skin grip

Dimensions:

blade 838mm, hilt 166mm

Source:

Dean Castle

Accession number:

MA/S97

Digital Number:

EAAM089a - b

Creation Date:

Late 17th Century

Copyright:

East Ayrshire Council