I recently received a new hilt created by E.B. Erickson. I took the time last night to mount it onto its blade. I am so excited by this sword that I have to show you all a few photos!

This sword is based on the SW11 early basket-hilt:
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We used this sword only as inspiration, as I wasn't looking for a direct replica. ElJay used his artistic judgement to change the design of the pommel and some proportions of the basket. Also note that the original sword on which this is based has its quillons cut off like so many other swords of this type. It's presumed that they were typically removed by the owner as a personal preference to assist handling. I asked ElJay to create this hilt with the quillons in-tact, replicating the sword is as may have left the historic cutler's shop.

Here are photos of my new sword:

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Click on any photo to see the high-resolution version

The hilt was made to mount on a Donnie Shearer (Mad Piper) designed blade created by Del Tin. This blade has three fullers; two extending half-way down the blade and the other extending longer. There are two additional small fullers in the ricasso area.

ElJay did an absolutely excellent job on this hilt and I'd say its quality is as good as anything I own. The inside of the basket is extremely well finished, too, with no rough spots whatsoever. The proportions are perfect and the feel of it is very, very good. The grip is exceptionally well done, having a mixture of straight silver and gold-colored wire (steel and brass?), twisted wire, and multiple-strand twisted, as well.


And here are some photos of a previous SW11 replica that ElJay made for Alex McCracken: (Note the cut-off quillons as on the antique)

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For the sake of comparison, this sword was also recreated by Vince Evans and can be seen below:

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And here is a version created by The Mad Piper many years ago:

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Nathan,

That's an awesome looking piece of work! The more I see ElJays' stuff, the more jaw-dropped I am. The "S" quillons really set the whole thing off. Can't wait to see more!

Bill

Ooohh....now that is gorgeous. All this basket-hilt eyecandy is driving me crazy! Must one day acquire.....


Fantastic acquisition, Nathan!

Verrrrry nice ...... our Eljay is one amazing hammerman !
Man, his grips are just outstanding ...... I remember well the SW11 he did for Alex !

It's very cool seeing this one with the quillons intact !

Congratulations on a fine new piece, Nathan ..... I look forward to hearing alot more about it !

Mac

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*Photo: Thomas McDonald

* Edit :
Weight - 2 lbs. 14 1/2 oz.
POB - 3 1/2" in front of hilt
DT blade now weighs - 1 lb. 5 oz.
(used to weigh - 1 lb. 6 3/4 oz.)
Complete hilt - 1 lb. 9 1/2 oz.
Pommel - 6 1/4 oz.
Grip - 1 3/4 oz.
Basket - 1 lb. 3/4 oz.
Capstan nut & screws - 1/4 oz.
Leather washer - ?
From the SFI thread - Basket Assembly, Courtesy of Thomas MacDonald!, by Alex McCracken.

Congrats on the beauty! Such a classy design....

What is the weight on the Del Tin blade?

Another great looking one for the Nathan Robinson compound hilt collection!

Did you have much trouble fitting it to the blade?

Upon closer looking, just noticed the pommel screws. This wasn't a common thing on most early Scottish basket-hilts or was it? Know some of the English b-hilts had this feature, just never took note on the Scottish one's. Can ya' clarify this for me? Thanx

Bill

Beautiful! Indeed, the quillons really add to the over all look of the piece. The "clipped wing" version looks as though it's "missing something" for sure. Glad you had it made "as delivered"!

Thanks for posting the pictures.

Gordon

I replaced the photos in the original post with better quality images, allowing you to click the smaller version to see a higher resolution version. Check them out, as they show much more detail on this beautiful sword.

And here are some more photos:

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Click on any photo to see the high-resolution version

Firstly .... Nathan, great pics ! Man, that is one beautiful piece of work ! Excellent job, Eljay !

Bill

John Wallace, in "Scottish Swords & Dirks", referrred to SW11 as "probably English" .

As far as Scottish examples go, that feature guards screwed to the pommel, I've seen several examples of Lowland left-hand daggers that utilize this construction method . Though I do believe that this style is English in origin !

You do see examples of Scottish silver hilts that have this construction, probably due to the fact that the hilts needed extra support given the weaker nature (soft) of the silver !

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*Photo: John Wallace, "Scottish Swords & Dirks"

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* Photo: "Culloden The Swords & the Sorrows", The National Trust For Scotland

Mac

Congrats Nathan,
Thats some fine looking package,
The grip looks a work of art on it;s own,
Great pics as usuall,
Eljay sure does some fine work,
This weeks been basket heaven,
Thanks for sharing all.

That is one gorgeous sword Nathan. What a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing with the great pictures. I think that the basket hilt just moved up the line on my list of future sword purchases!

Here is a photo of the ElJay SW11 with my Vince Evans "lowland" hilt

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Click photo to see larger version

With the earlier reference to silver hilts (though not with specific reference to Nathan's new beauty), I have to ask - what is the material of the hilt?