Scottish Weaponry of Importance Page 1
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Very Unusual Scottish Dirk (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-11) |
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DESCRIPTION: Here is a ‘wee dirk’ that is totally different than the usual ones encountered. I wanted to say handmade, but actually because of the designs molded into its form I believe it was created and sold in the Victorian Era. The throat of the scabbard has the design of a Scottish highland warrior with claymore sword and targe (shield) surrounded by thistles. The boot or bottom scabbard fitting also features the bonnie thistles of Scotia. The crossguard is quite plain and the grip is a stag’s antler. The blade is crude, but has the scalloped edge on the top of it. The weapon is 13 ½ inches long—knife and scabbard—the blade is 5 ½ inches long. If you collect Scottish weapons this is one you don’t want to miss. The scabbard is leather with the brass accoutrements as described.
PRICE: $695.00 A Wee Bargain! |
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Massive “Sinclair” Hilt Sword (Era 1612) (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-12; BRITSCOT 4-25; ANTWEP 1-6) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is one of the most homely yet most historically important swords that we have ever obtained. It has the name Sinclair Sword and is named after Colonel George Sinclair who commanded a Scottish mercenary band that tried to fight its way across Norway in 1612, but was routed in the Gudron Valley. Sinclair’s name has ever since been attached to this type of sword hilt. Collectors and weapon experts advance the likely theory that George Sinclair’s mercenaries brought these massive swords to Scotland after cutting a swath of bloody battle across central Europe. These swords were one of the earliest basket-hilt designs and originally were of south-German origin. On average, the blade on one of these massive swords measured from 32 to 38 inches. This one we offer is measured at 33 inches with a thickness of 2 inches wide. “A bonnie blade.” The Sinclair hilt broadsword had great influence on the development of the Scottish basket-hilted Claymore, which was used by Highlanders in the 17th and 18th centuries. After the Jacobean Wars it became for all intents and purposes a symbol of Scotland. The Sinclair sword’s hilt has long recurved quillons with a ring guard or knuckle guard. It has an oversized pommel of the scent-stopper variety. The grip is short with chainmail-type metal wrapping. Sinclair swords all have great broad blades and always are curved with deep fullers as this one has. These swords are very rare and usually seen today for the most part in museums and advanced collections. We have had quite a few Scottish swords, but this one is the earliest one we have ever had. It would be considered in excellent rare condition and “BONNIE WEE WEEAPON” indeed!
PRICE: SOLD |
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Decorative Powder Horn for Formal Highland Dress (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-13; BRITSCOT 4-27) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is a powder horn that would be worn to a pageant or a céilidh by a Scot in Highland formal dress. The clan chieftains in the Victorian age always wore a fancy powder horn accompanied by a beautiful Highland dirk and/or a brace of flint or percussion pistols. This practice of course came down from antiquity and was purely Scottish having no similarity in the cultural traditions of other European nations. In ancient times, the powder horns were functional; not like the item of dress we offer here that does not even have an ingress (opening) to add the powder. Victorian-age horns like this one were purely decorative. Many drawings of early Scot warriors show a couple of pistols tucked into their belt and a powder horn hanging around their neck. But those were the days of Scottish glory when the clans fought against the bloody Brits instead of for them. The Horn The beautiful powder horn that we offer is a prize, really. Literally, many have been exactly that! Often the fanciest ones like this were the first prize in a shooting match, sheepdog contest, or the successful tossing of the mighty caber. This magnificent example is decorated in the finest of Georgian silver trim with two rose-colored Cairngorm stones; one mounted in the side of the horn encased in a silver brooch-looking setting. The other is mounted in the tip that is shaped like the Scottish thistle. This on an actual functional horn would be the end that would pour the powder into the waiting musket. On the other end of the horn on a functioning powder horn would be the cap that would open to receive the powder; however, on this dress accoutrement the cap is stationary and does not open. It is decorated with a large oval crystal jewel that depending on the angle from which it is viewed it can look emerald green or orange opaque. I am particularly impressed with the mid-position hanger loop that holds to the carry chain. It is shaped like an elongated thistle that runs down and clings to the body of the Highland cattle horn. This beauty without (a wee doubt) is indeed a gorgeous Scottish relic of proud old Scotia. PRICE: $1,500.00 |
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Scottish Basket-Hilted Claymore Sword (Claidheamh-mòr: “Great Sword”) (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-14; BRITSCOT 4-33) |
DESCRIPTION: This is a nice, solid example of the typical early form of the famed weapon. The blade has light scroll accents that read “For my king and country” indicating it was not only owned by noble families, but was fashioned for military use. It has this moto in both the blood fullers that run most of the length of the blade. The words Scot and bravery are often used in the same sentence, this is no mistake. The Scots at war have a well-earned historical distinction for martial bravery and this is exemplified in the heedless Highland or border Scot charge whereby Clansmen would sweep a foe away in wild hand-to-hand combat and almost always the weapon of choice for the “Geordies” was invariably the great basket-hilted broadsword, one of the most formidable edged weapons inclusive of the swords of the world. The overall construction of this fine example is entirely appropriate for an 18th-century combat weapon. The basket guard is of rugged iron construction with circle- and heart-shaped cutouts on the panels. It has the typical dome pommel (there were several variations noted). It has a wire-wrapped ray-skin grip. It’s in generally good to fine condition. The blade shows a dark patina with scattered pitting, and mild wear is visible overall with the seam on the backside of the grip opening ever so slightly. The fit of the hilt to the blade is solid as a rock and the blade is flexible with fine tone when struck. Note in our images that we have shown a photo of the hornbook on these weapons titled The Scottish Sword: 1600-1945. The author, Harvey J.S. Withers, obviously wanted to show what he considered the classic basket hilt and the most traditional 18th-century example of the claidheamh-mòr. Note that with the exception of the pommel it is virtually identical to the one we offer here. These swords of this circa are getting to be extremely rare and are much sought after—especially in this condition.
PRICE: $7,500.00 |
Brace of Highly Ornate Scottish Percussion Pistols (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-15; ANTWEP 4-19) |
DESCRIPTION: The markings on these wonderful pistols are none other than Meyer & Mortimer, one of the oldest firms among the Savile Row fraternity. The company traces its heritage back to the 1790s when Jonathan Meyer, a tailor from Austria, established a tailoring and military outfitting business at 36 Conduit St. at the north end of Savile Row. Around the same time, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Mortimer family was specializing in military outfitting, supplying officers with swords, ceremonial dirks, and firearms. Many Mortimer weapons remain in existence. The Meyer firm made garments for the prince regent and, later, for George VI, and leading autocrats and military commanders of the day. The firm followed the British forces in the Waterloo campaign. Later, after amalgamation, one of the notable clients was the legendary dandy Beau Brummel. Meyer & Mortimer continued to offer very fancy weapons such as this set of pistols that served to augment very special Highland dress outfits for Scottish lairds and nobility. No doubt this elegant set was one such item. The pistols are set in a case that no doubt was made for them later and is not the original box. However, they are in form-fitted slots with a Scottish-themed powder flask and there are two compartments for pistol ball ammunition. The late owner was a member of the Cameron Highlanders and he probably was the man who had the case fitted to the pistols. His regimental badge graces the top of the case. The guns are beautifully engraved as would be expected of any weapon offered by Meyer & Mortimer. They are typical Scottish belt pistols with clips on their reverse sides meant to secure them to the wearer’s belt. The grips are fitted with framed Scottish rock crystal, gem-cut stones in bright diamond quality. We have visited many museums in Scotland and Britain and have seen wonderful Scottish and British weapons and can say that this set is right up there with some of the finest examples and thus is extremely important historically in that it is from Meyer & Mortimer, the noble firm catering to kings and nobility. I am sure nobody would endeavor to load the pistols up and fire them, but I would have to say that they are very mechanically sound and ready to use if the new owner suddenly feels threatened by the “Sassenachs” (English or Saxon). This pistol ensemble is without a doubt absolutely beautiful and prodigiously important. It’s decidedly a great investment.
PRICE: $12,000.00. The consignor will also consider barter and trade involving unique swords. |
Magnificent Scottish Brooch (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-16; BRITSCOT 4-10) |
DESCRIPTION: This is without a doubt one of the greatest Scottish relics we have ever found. It is a large silver plaid brooch with beauty that stokes the imagination and invokes historical curiosity. It was found in Scotland and it certainly seems to be custom made for a royal personage or an important individual. The brooch was purchased from a Scottish farmer who came to an antique show that we attended in London. He wished to remain anonymous. The brooch was handmade obviously by a very talented jeweler...it is unsigned unfortunately. In its very center is a perfect precious stone, probably white amethyst (Cairngorm). Emitting from this are silver cones that hold 8 genuine elk's teeth while around this is a metal circle fashioned in silver with the Latin motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit! Translated “No One Attacks Me with Impunity.” This is the motto of the Order of the Scottish Thistle and of three regiments of the British Army. This silver circular devise is laid over a setting of wood on which Scottish thistles are carved and all around the edges are tree branches fashioned in silver. NOW there is a distinct possibility that this was a gift to John Brown. And that was what we were told. At the time of the purchase, Brown was a Scottish personal servant and favorite of Britain’s Queen Victoria. For many years he was appreciated by many including the Queen for his competence and companionship and highly resented by others for his influence and informal manner. The exact nature of his relationship with the Queen was the subject of great speculation by contemporaries and continues to be controversial even today. After Prince Albert died in 1861, Brown became Victoria’s personal servant. She was so grateful for his service and his manner toward her, which was much less formal than that of her other servants, Brown was tough and extremely protective of her majesty and due to that fact she awarded him many medals and other wonderful gifts and she had portraits made of him. So, it is a distinct possibility that this indeed was one of the precious gifts that John Brown received from the gracious Queen. This is a very large and heavy brooch measuring about 4 inches in diameter and quite heavy, only a man of large stature like “Wee Jon” would wear. This is a true Scottish treasure! PRICE: $9,550.00 |
Bonnie Scots Dirk (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-16) |
DESCRIPTION: This one probably dates from about the 1920s or 1930s. It is much better made than the Pakistan pieces or even British-made pieces seen today. Its fittings are struck in silver and are so marked at the top throat fitting. The wee knife and fork are intact holding their individual cairngorm gems that stay tightly in their claws. The silver fittings are heavy with the thistles of beautiful Scotia. The large cairngorm amethyst jewel is professionally cut and mounted, not a hunk of plastic as is often found in the present-day examples. The hilt is of genuine bogwood as it should be and replete with little silver studs that appear “starlike” on the thistle-shaped grip. The blade is in excellent-plus condition with the traditional serrated top edging on the back of the blade edge. On the back of the throat fitting we see it says “Made in Scotland” but don’t let that throw you, because ultrafine dirks had been marked that way since early Victorian times. The only small problem we can envision is that a small ball-shaped fitting that used to screw into the tip of the scabbard is missing, but its absence is hardly noticeable on this otherwise very beautiful Scottish High Dress dirk; a bonny dirk indeed!!! It will lend the final majestic touch to your kilt and tam o' shanter
and you will be the star of that Robbie Burns Dinner!
PRICE: SOLD |
Victorian Scottish Basket Hilt Broadsword (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-17) |
DESCRIPTION: This beautiful sword has a 35-inch, double-edged spear-point blade with 10 1/2” median fuller, 1 1/2” wide at forte. It has a steel, full-basket guard of regimental form with wire-wrapped shagreen grip. Engraved in fuller in Latin are the words “NO ME SUES SIN RASON” (“Do not draw me without reason.”) and on obverse, with “NO ME ENBAINES SIN HONOR” (“Do not sheath me without honor.”). It has a leather sheath with steel fittings. Blade has been cleaned and polished in the European fashion with some loss of detail to inscription. Guard and liner are in good condition with plume shedding. There is some loss of finish to grip. This is very probably an older blade modified to fit a Victorian guard. The blades such as this had deep meaning to the owners and from time to time one is found where an early blade from the family tradition was passed on and remounted by the descendant who found himself in a Highland regiment. This “Hilen Laddie” must have been a really tall soldier, as this is the longest basket-hilt broadsword we have ever seen when in its scabbard. In earlier days a bonnie sword such as this would make the Sassenach (English) cringe!
PRICE: $3,250.00 |
Bonnie Little Child’s Scottish Dirk (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-18) |
DESCRIPTION: This is truly a museum piece extraordinaire. It’s a Highland dirk made for a “Wee Bonnie Laddie.” Sometimes Scottish clan chiefs and high-ranking Scottish nobility often commissioned famous sword cutlers in England to craft special dirks for their children to be worn when in full-kilted regalia. They were usually a bit crude because they were rather like costume props, but this one is as refined and beautifully created as any of the best adult versions we have ever seen or indeed ever have acquired. It has the perfect shape and the traditional cairngorm-mounted knife and fork in the scabbard. However, the stone and mounting support for the little fork is missing from this dirk. (see our images). This is unfortunate, but does not denigrate or really depreciate the historical importance; it really only affects the price. The dirk is only half the size of similarly styled traditional dirks (nine inches long including the scabbard). The style of this traditional ceremonial weapon occurred during the mid-19th century. The grip’s shape represents a Scottish thistle and usually were fashioned from bogwood and decorated with silver studs. The blade is rather plain, but has a scalloped edge a quarter ways down its back—this is also traditional. The blade shows some old rust stain and slight pitting, but is still very presentable. The little knife and fork as far as we know do not easily if at all remove from their fixed compartments in the scabbard. We believe this was arranged purposely to be a preventive so that the child would not lose them, as children are wont to do. The silver scabbard fittings are intricately engraved with thistles and flora. What is highly unusual is that although this dirk is well over a hundred years old, it still seems to have the original leather hanging strap attached. Overall, here is a wee bonnie weapon for a proud little “prince” of the clans.
PRICE: $950.00 |
Elegant Scottish Dirk (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-19) |
DESCRIPTION: This is without a doubt one of the very finest and most exquisite examples of these knives that we have ever seen. The manufacturer’s mark reads “Pillin Gerrard St. London.” Ninety percent of all the stylish Highland dirks in that time were made in England. As was the tradition, the dirk comprised of three pieces other than the scabbard. The dirk and the small accoutrement knife and fork are set in pockets within the scabbard. All the metal fittings are in silver and these items in the set are silver studded, as is the large dirk with black bog, wooded handle. The scabbard is leather covered. The primary dirk bears a drop-point dagger-tip blade with the traditional jumping to the spine. The manufacturer’s mark is accomplished with acid etching. There is a single belt-fastening loop for belt configuration on the rear of the throat. The engraving is quite intricate on all the silver fittings: hilt, throat, and pommel cap. Blade length is 11 3/4 inches overall; total length is 16 inches. The condition is excellent-plus with minor tarnish to the silver fittings consistent with age. This could have been for military or for civilian highland dress usage. In either case, the laddie who wore it must have been very proud of it for it’s a very bonnie “weepon,” indeed.
PRICE: $6,850.00 |
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Scottish Figural Dagger (Item SCOTWEAPON 1-20) |
DESCRIPTION: Here is a most-interesting small dagger that surely has Masonic Jacobite connotation and just as surely harks back to the mid-18th century. The figure in Scottish regalia is most likely “Bonnie Prince Charlie” (Charles Edward Stuart). Charlie was a Freemason. The prince was said to have a claim on the English throne. Many of the Scottish Freemasons supported the Stuarts, despite their “Catholic ties” which really were more politics than religion. All politics in Scotland involved Freemasonry in one way or another. Charlie was the son of Prince James Francis Edward Stuart, “the Old Pretender.” Much can be seen on the internet about father and son and the Jacobite movement in Scotland. The Bonnie Wee Dagger The little weapon measures slightly more than 10 inches in its scabbard and the entire figural piece is in bronze, while the scabbard is in brass making for a very handsome paring. The figure of the young pretender Charlie, is highly detailed and it depicts him wearing a traditional tam o’ shanter headgear that by the way were made by bonnet makers in Scotland as far back as 1599. He also wears a kilt and a plaid scarf over his shoulder. His hand rests on a war shield that bears the cross of St. Andrew, the high crest of Scotland. The daggers crossguard is comprised of two grotesque dragonheads that most likely represent the Sassenach (English foe) pictured as nasty little creatures with their noses turned up! The scabbard is the item wherein the Masonic Jacobite connection is plainly revealed. At the top of it is the part known as the throat. Here engraved is the Masonic Square and Compass—the mark of the craft! The blade has a traditional jimping on its back spine (very Scottish).The blade is about 6½ inches long and shows much old rust pitting, but this is normal with a piece this old. The dagger has had a hanging ring to facilitate the owner’s wear, but is no longer with it. Overall, it’s in good condition for its age and historical importance. PRICE: $950.00 |
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Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
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