Armour Class Cup and Ring Basket-hilt
Original: Scotland, second half of the 17th century
This sword's basket is simpler in construction than later examples. The steel basket's bars are flattened in cross-section and the panels are decorated with incised pairs of lines at the corners. The panels also bear the characteristic cup and ring decoration: repeated dots and surrounded by concentric circles. The multi-fullered blade has a ricasso at its base. The wooden grip is bound with ray skin and twisted copper wire. The basket is lined with padded maroon cloth.
The leather-covered, wool-lined wooden scabbard was made by
Art Elwell's A Work of Art and has German silver fittings with Sterling silver trim. The locket (mouth of scabbard) has a heart-shaped stud to keep it secure in a baldric.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this sword.
Overall length: 39.25"
Weight: 3.2 pounds
Width of basket: 4.75" at its widest point
Opening of basket: 3.75"
Blade: 33.25" long; 1.5" wide tapering to .875"
Grip and pommel: 5.75"
Point of Balance (PoB): 3.375" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~22.5" from guard
Maker:
Armour Class of Scotland.
Inspired by a originals such as this one, located in the National Museum of Scotland.