Scottish basket hilted sword 1

Mid-18th century Scottish basket hilted sword from the Walker collection. The hilt is decorated with the initial 'S' to signify the Stewarts. The 18th century saw much religious and political unrest, as Jacobites attempted, but failed, to replace George I with John Francis Edward Stuart, otherwise known as 'The Old Pretender'. Basket hilt swords provided good level of protection for hands when fighting with an opponent, especially with cutting motions. Swords such as this example were used primarily in a military setting, as opposed to rapiers, which are used more in civilian dress.