Lets see historical Scottish weaponing...........

[Skipper1]

This sword was one of only a few made by Al for Albion Armorers back in the early 1990s. They no longer offer anything like it. If I wanted a sword like this now I'd probably contact John Lundemo of Odinblades. His work is fantastic. But be prepared to spend over $1,000 for a custom made sword of the same quality as mine.

Ah just checked his site - looks great. I may have to wait a couple of months. My wife just bought me a naval officer's sword for my birthday and what with the belt etc I just bought we are over a thousand now. I have bookmarked the site and am now saving my pennies.

[JRB]

Ah just checked his site - looks great. I may have to wait a couple of months. My wife just bought me a naval officer's sword for my birthday and what with the belt etc I just bought we are over a thousand now. I have bookmarked the site and am now saving my pennies.

Just FYI he often has a waiting list of more than a year (which is not uncommon with well known bladesmiths).

[Woodsheal]

Here's one for sale right now, for a mere $8720.00...

http://www.powning.com/jake/commish/...anthro09.shtml

But, heck! Shipping is included in that price...!

[beloitpiper]

My basket hilt I got for $20. Background is my laird's plaid.

[David White]

Nice Greg,
Surely we must have more pictures to share!

[Deathbybagpipes]

wow, I have never seen a basket design like that before

[Deathbybagpipes]

My basket hilt I got for $20. Background is my laird's plaid.

Looks like a Windlass Steel crafts model

[JRB]

Jake's swords are museum pieces, pure and simple. They're like buying any collectible art work. The cost is outrageous but they will most likely hold their value and may increase in value if kept for a long time.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

A word of caution for anyone who thinks that buying a recently made sword may be an investment. In the world of arms collecting these swords have little or no value because they lack historical context. A sword made during the age of the sword (which ended roughly at the time of WWI) is imbued with a romance totally lacking in even the finest crafted modern sword. Sure, given time the modern sword may increase in value, but it is more likely to depreciate in real terms when you factor in inflation.

If you are planning on spending $8,000 on a sword, put your money into a "real" sword (or several real swords) that will always have intrinsic historical value.

[Strings]

MoR has the right of it: while the bladesmith's work may be worth $8K to you, using it as an investment requires that you someday find someone willing to pay the price. That can be VERY difficult, unless the smith who made your blade becomes famous for his work...