I figure Michael deserves another nod for his fine work on this one ! - Mac
A Scottish ‘Clamshell’ Claymore by Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce
A Review by Thomas McDonald
“On the morning after the battle - for night had thrown its curtain over the horrors of the scene, before the extent of the carnage could be ascertained - the field of battle and the ground between it and the river, extending as far as the pass, presented an appalling spectacle in the vast numbers of the dead which strewed the savage and unrelenting ferocity with which Mackay's men had been hewn down by the Highlanders. Here might be seen a skull which had been struck off above the ears by a stroke from a broad-sword - there a head lying near the trunk from which it had been severed - here an arm or a limb - there a corpse laid open from the head to the brisket; while interspersed among these lifeless trunks, dejectaque membra, were to be seen broken pikes, small swords and muskets, which had been snapped asunder by the athletic blows of the Lochaber axe and broad-sword”.
. Battle of Killiecrankie (1689)
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/killiecrankie.htm
An example of an original late 16th-or early 17th century Scottish hilt mounted with a late medieval blade.
- Photo: "Culloden The Swords & the Sorrows", National Trust For Scotland. (1996).
Introduction
* The earliest reference known for this form of sword was an article published in 1792 by William Charles Little on the Hammermen of Edinburgh. In 1583 it is noted that a Robert Lyal created for his admittance essay “ane pair of clam schellit gardis” .
From roughly the forth quarter of the sixteenth century, to about the second quarter of the seventeenth, this form of sword made its presence known on the battlefields of Scotland. It is thought to be the last development of the big two-handed swords, in Scotland.
Usually hand and half in length, and shorter than it’s Lowland predecessors, it utilized shells as the major defensive feature of the guard, developed for deflection as opposed to blocking. * Reference: Tony Willis, Scottish “twa handit Swerdis”.
Overview
Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce is a well known bladesmith, from the state of Washington, who specializes in excellent, high-performance, swords and knives ! Having owned work by Michael, and knowing how well his swords handled & performed, I was thrilled to find this unique piece for sale.
I purchased the sword through a company called Blade Art Inc., based in Miami, Florida, http://www.bladeart.com/ who have a great selection of custom bladed weapons! At a cost of $600.00, plus shipping, the sword arrived in top shape, and proved to be worth every penny of the money spent!
As a collector of Scottish weapons the ‘clamshell’ claymore was a piece that my collection seriously lacked, and also one that is not often found in the reproduction market ….. Thankfully Tinker came to the rescue!
The swords handle is wood cored, with black leather wrapped grip. The hilt is dismountable.
The swords blade is protected by a formed leather sheath , sewn up the back, fitting the blade nicely .
Stats
OL – 49 ¾”
BL – 36 7/8”
BW – 1 ¾” ( 1 ¼” at tip )
Weight – 3 lbs. 9 ¾ oz.
POB – 3 5/8”
COP – 23 ½”
Grip – 11 ¼”
Cross – 7 ¼”
Shell dimensions - 4 ¼” wide x 4 ½” long ( inside width 5 ½” )
Fuller – 17 ¾”
Pommel – 1 ¾” diameter
Blade steel – 5160
Handling Characteristics
Everyone that picks up this sword has commented how light & lively it feels! The blade is quite flexible, almost whippy, but has proven to be an excellent cutter, fairing very well against some very tough ¾” inch plywood.
The harmonics are quite good, keeping vibration to a minimum, as the blade wreaks havoc with all manner of target.
The speed at which this sword can be swung certainly aids to its destructive power, its weight enabling it to be used one-handed, as well as two!
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish on this piece is very good . The hilt is tight , the welding of the shells to the cross are clean, and very solid. The blade is polished to a high level , as well as the fullers , all lines clean & crisp! The leather is good quality, tightly wrapped, and provides an excellent gripping surface! The dismountable hilt is constructed with care, all its pieces fitting together tightly, with top quality materials!
Conclusion
Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce makes some very cool custom swords, and knives, with performance being key.
BladeArt .com is an excellent source for obtaining some of his unique works (as well as a host of other quality makers) and is a wonderful company to do business with. Do check them out!
