Swords

[Silent Raven]

Okay so i have been pondering this for some time now, and i think this is the right place for it. But basically im wondering what type of swords that a Scotsman would most likely be seen carrying? now from the different pictures ive seen it seems like military leaders would have more of a rapier/fencing style of sword. but highlanders/non military folk would have more of a broad sword? Im looking into possibly getting a sword to add when i dress up in more of a historic form for parades and the like but i am unsure of what to get. at a gun and knife show recently i saw a Scottish sword that was going for about $3000! and well that was just way out of my budget. there are 2 members of my local Scottish society that both have swords and are both different, is there a time difference that would be the deciding factor of what type of sword to have?

my friend Dennis dressed for battle

and Charley a bit more formally dressed?

so whats what in regards the clothing style and swords? or time period and swords? or does wealth/status come into play as well?

[Tobus]

I'm no expert, but I think most will agree that the basket hilt claymore is the true iconic sword of the Highlander. Not the two-handed claymore of Braveheart fame.

[dowofbuchanan]

well i would say that for the most part a true highlander wouldnt be seen with a sword, the acts of proscription didnt allow most scots to own weapons and any they did own would be hidden unless needed
but again im no expert

[J_Mimbs]

Silent Raven, the first picture is a two-handed claymore, roughly from the 15th century. That's the "Braveheart" style sword. The other is a basket-hilt claymore from the 18th century. I've seen conflicting sources on the historical usage of both weapons, but basically its just a matter of time period.

There are a number of manufacturers for both weapons. CAS/Hanwei makes a two handed claymore, and I believe Cold Steel makes or used to make a basket hilt claymore.

[TheBrus]

well i would say that for the most part a true highlander wouldnt be seen with a sword, the acts of proscription didnt allow most scots to own weapons and any they did own would be hidden unless needed
but again im no expert

I agree. Although it would depend on the time period (not sure that's specified), I would think--and I'm only guessing here--that you would see more rudimentary pikes and improvised pole axes. Pitchforks and all manner of clubs might be realistic, too. Historically, Scots were more likely to have fought with their hands or with whatever was to hand.

[J_Mimbs]

Pitchforks and all manner of clubs might be realistic, too. Historically, Scots were more likely to have fought with their hands or with whatever was to hand.

Not to derail the thread, but was there any overlap with the Irish shillelagh? Its an interesting weapon, but would/could a Scotsman carry one?

[Tobus]

I agree. Although it would depend on the time period (not sure that's specified), I would think--and I'm only guessing here--that you would see more rudimentary pikes and improvised pole axes. Pitchforks and all manner of clubs might be realistic, too. Historically, Scots were more likely to have fought with their hands or with whatever was to hand.

This. Considering the extreme poverty of the Highlands, coupled with the fact that it lacked a metalworking industry, a sword was not exactly the everyday Highlander's weapon. It is fairly well documented that during periods of proscription, lots of swords would be hidden away for future use, and then handed out for battles. Many of the clan hierarchy had swords, to be sure. But the commoner most likely would have fought with pikes and farm implements. Firearms too, in later years, and depending on availability.

The shortage of swords is readily seen by the fact that one of Charles Edward Stuart's most important tasks in his crossing over to Scotland was to bring a ship full of swords and other supplies. The ship carrying swords (the Elisabeth, I believe) had to turn back.

[Dale Seago]

I'm no expert, but I think most will agree that the basket hilt claymore is the true iconic sword of the Highlander. Not the two-handed claymore of Braveheart fame.

Agreed. Basket-hilted backswords and broadswords became popular around mid-1500s, though the majority of Highland clansmen were too cash-poor to own one.

I'd say the "iconic bladed weapon" of the Scottish Gael, in terms of what most actually owned and carried, really was not a sword per se, but the biodag or dirk.

[artificer]

Not a sword (so therefore less romantic in vision) but I thought the iconic weapon of the Highlander was the Lochaber Axe (having evolved from agricultural implements, which served a daily purpose and couldn't be taken away, unlike the sword).

[dowofbuchanan]

although according to my source "highlander" what could be more official, the weapon of the highlander was an ivory handled katana