Very Rare Scottish Baskethilt Backsword, The Guard Circa 1750, The Blade Circa 1660

A Very Rare And Fine Scottish Baskethilt Backsword, The Guard Circa 1750, The Blade Definitively Pre-Culloden Circa 1660 Of Exemplary Quality And Condition.

The backsword blade 34 inches in length and 1 and 3/8th inches wide at forte, of exemplary quality and in excellent condition for a mid-17th century Scottish blade. An 8 inch fuller is engraved within “SOOOLOIONOGOEON” sic. Solingen. The hammerman’s stamp of a five pointed star is stamped above the fuller on both sides, A scalloped design enhances the appearance of this extremely rare Scottish survival.

The hilt of complex design finely pierced with circled and crosses and single saltire. Wood grip covered in fish skin bound with triple strand twisted wire surmounted by elaborate “Turk’s Heads”. Classic Scottish pommel of mushroom configuration decorated with characteristic Scottish cutwork.

The quality of this fine Scottish sword is evident throughout. The ancient blade is of such quality that the mid-18th century maker decided to incorporate it when blading the hilt doubtless at the request of some Scotsman whose family had hidden it after the battle as had it been found in his possession by the English a swift execution would ensued.

A similar slightly later version of the hilt possibly by S. Harvey appears in Southwick figure 398. Condition overall is fine to excellent. A beautiful Scottish basket hilt backsword with an important 17th century blade.