Hi all,

You may have seen pictures of the broadsword I had made by Donnie Shearer a few years ago (that's the one on the right in the image below)... Well, here it is again, but with a little company. Can you guess the maker?

Cheers,
Henrik

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Two beak-nosed ribbon basket hilted broadswords.

Yes. I can guess. I want it, too.

Just you wait till you see the blade. Must get some better photos taken first.
It's based on this sword in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh:
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Cheers,
Henrik

It's one of two folks...

Is it...

Eljay Erickson???

Henrik,

Very nice! Congratulations.

Can we see some shots of the full sword unsheathed?

Chris

And the winner is... David!:-D (Nathan knew this, of course ;-) )
Yes, Eljay made the hilt and the scabbard. The blade, which I will take photos of when the weather clears, is made by John Lundemo. It's robust yet very elegant. Couldn't be more pleased!
I will have a look at the stats as well...

Cheers,
Henrik

Here it is! I hope you like the "sword-porn" shots with both of my ribbon hilts :-)

Cheers,
Henrik

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Henrik,

I never had much appreciation for these swords until I held an original in Donnie Shearer's collection. It gave me a completely different perception of these weapons. Where I once thought they looked crude and clumsy, I now understand them to be quite elegant in their simplicity. Funny how handling a particular style of sword can change your whole outlook on them, for better or for worse.

You are fortunate to have two beautiful examples. The one Donnie made looks like some of his best work. And being a proud owner of an ElJay piece myself, what more can I say about the talented Mr. Erickson -- he's a truly amazing artist! I really like his treatment of the scabbard as well. As you know, the double-locket scabbards are very common in Scotland during this period. Great to see you having gone that direction with this piece.

Looking back at some prior photos you've posted, your entire kit has really come together nicely. You capture the look of a true Scottish clansman. Well done, Lad!

Chris

Thank you, Chris!
I agree with your thoughts on the beak nosed hilts. I didn't like them at all when I first saw them. But they kind of grew on me.
Both swords are very nicely balanced, and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised once I had the Eljay sword hilted. That such a broad blade can feel so light in the hand is impressive. Eljay IS a master craftsman. And John Lundemo has done a terrific job on the blade.
I'll have to take measurements so you'll get the stats for it.

This is how I look when marching to battle with my broadsword by Donnie :) A clansman you say? Highland Gentleman, I insist :P
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Cheers,
Henrik