Alex McCracken was kind enough to share with me some of the "in-progress" photos, of a baskethilt backsword, that he commissioned Vince Evans to make !
(since Alex recently went public with them I figure I can share them here, too, so forgive me if I steal any of your thunder Captain Alex ;-)

The basket draws it's inspiration from a wonderful piece that was the creation of the great Walter Allan, of Stirling,
c. 1735-40. The steel basket featured riveted brass panels, with beautiful decoration & piercings !

The piece, although not finished, is magnificent .... and truely speaks volumes about the talented man behind the hammer !

Mac

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Here are some shots of it's earlier stages, before it's refinement , brass, etc!

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Hi Mac!

No problem on posting these. I've found that since getting married
I have to ration my computer time, so I'm actually grateful that you
took your own precious time to help me with the assist!

As Mac said, Vince still has to do some work yet, even though the basket is
close to completion. The two biggest things are the brass forward guard
to be rivetted on, and then the blackening process, which will really just
be done to the inlays and other depressions, in order to bring them out
and blend the brass and steel together. Vince is making this as a take-down
hilt for me so I can add a leather liner, covered probably by red velvet, as
per another Allan sword. I really think the blackening will be quite
impressive from what Vince has told me.

Thanks again for helping Mac!

Alex

Thanks Captain ..... I was afraid I'd end up with extra duty ;-)

I believe the Captain was referring to the addition of a brass "wrist guard" !

Here is a pic from Culloden The Swords & the Sorrows that shows the brass wrist guard straight on !

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And a side view ......

* Photo: The Scottish Art Review, article entitled: "Walter Allan, Armourer in Stirling" , by William Reid.

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Mac

Can't wait to see the finished product. If we do another gathering it will be one of the most (if not the most) anticipated new collection addition people are waiting to see.

That is absolutely extraordinary. I had never seen that authentic basket photographed from any other angle than the one published in Swords and the Sorrows, but had always loved the design elements. Not only am I glad to see an additional photo of the outside of the piece, but seeing it brought back to life in Vince's reproduction is simply stunning.I can't wait to see more.

Absolutely beautiful. Hats off to Vince, and congratulations to Alex. Hope to see more when the piece is complete.

Take care,
-JS

Mac,

I meant wrist-guards... :) The wife had me cleaning carpets yesterday,
and I think the fumes addled my already addled noggin. Don't worry,
no flogging. ;)

Joe,

I think it's safe to say that I'm looking forward to showing her off. :)

Nathan,

Yeah, Vince is luckier than most because as Mac said, he's seen
the original. He was hoping to get to hold it if the chance for another
trip to Scotland popped up, but unfortunately that wasn't able to happen.
Fortunately Vince has a good memory and takes excellent notes. Vince
is probably the only one of us here that's seen the main knuckleguard,
something absent from all photos I've seen. Don't you just wish you
could see all the goodies in the Tower armoury? I do.

Vince made mention last night via email that this basket was one of
Walter Allan's more ambitious projects. The side brass plates alone
had to be rivetted on because of differing expansion rates, not to
mention all the surface detail. The thing that I wonder is, if this sword
was made in 1735 as speculated, that would make it one of his earlier
pieces. I wonder why so much effort? Perhaps it was commissioned
by one of his first "real" clients? Someone with lots of money? This
sword was likely take by Butcher Cumberland's men after Culloden,
so which clan chief/laird dropped it? I wish I knew.

Jeremey,

Thanks for the nice thoughts. Vince did all the work though. All I did
was pester him with requests. :)

Alex

Incredible.... In Freaking Credible....
Words fail me....
I thought I could not be surprised by Vince Evans' talents anymore.... then he goes and does this.....

Congrads on a truly unique piece of artistry there..... Walt Allen would be proud....

Hi Mac,

Yup. Vince is good. The weapons I have hanging are already whispering
amongst each other about who's getting a whole section of wall
to themself! Going to have to have a talk with them. :)

And no, you may not have the precious...

Alex

The Lords of the Hammermen

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No worries, Alex .... methinks they'll all get along fine *g*

Gollum MacDonald

2 New Pictures From Vince's Picturetrail

Lookin' good! That is an extreme understatement. The contrast of the steel & brass is exquisite. :cool: That's one fine basket-hilt Alex!


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Hi Alex

Gorgeous .... just a beautiful looking piece !

The scabbard really compliments the basket ...... I luv that steel & brass combo !

The sword truely has that regal look to it .... a fitting piece for our Captain !

Congratulations laddie , Mac

Just when I think Vince can't possibly get any better he takes it to a new level.

I normally don't care for brass on a swords hilt, but the combination here is really striking.

Great sword Alex.

Here are the two pictures a tad larger, and showing the details better !

Notice the brass rope/file work at the scabbards mouth , and the 'dot & circle' ornamentation !
The leather tooling is wonderful too !

Forming the wrist guard must have been a bear, alone, as it would have to have been riveted on first, than curled to shape !

Just an amazing piece of work ! Mac

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Vince has most certainly outdone himself on this one. I'm really
amazed at how his subtle blackening technique has really pulled
everything together. It's understated, yet STATELY at the same time.
A true Captain's (or Colonel's!) sword fit to be dropped, I mean used
at Culloden. ;) Vince mentioned to me that the scabbard is based on
one by James Grant in the Smith Museum in Stirling, with the brass accents
done to match the sword.

I'd also like to point out that Vince is being very reasonable in how
much he's charging me! He could definately have upped the price
and found plenty of willing buyers. Won't say how much it is just yet,
but a big thanks to Vince for being exceedingly fair.

Alex