:?: Does anyone have any clue what the other side of this style of guard might look like? Try as I might I can not find an image of the other side!!
Thanks for the help!

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generally symmetrical



also see

http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/1168.html

http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/1173.html

http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/4940.html

Thom, I edited your links to our albums so they'll work from everyone. Each photo has a section named "Direct link to this photo". That's the link.

Cheers!

Yes, that's the so-called "Clamshell Claymore", a form of Scottish Highland Claidheamh Da Laimh that is contemporary with the more well known "typical" Highland two-hander (longer, downsloping quillons ending in quatrefoil terminals and central langets). There are shop records dating back to the late1500's-early 1600's that mention "lang swerds" being fitted with "twa clam-shellit gardis".
This form is not as well-known possibly due to the fact that the more "typical claymores" survived on later due to their use as ceremonial bearing swords. The "clamshell claymore" did not seem to be as popular as a bearing sword. No idea why not...

It's also not as popular as a reproduction piece. I know Armour Class makes one; beyond that, it's a custom job. Tinker Pearce and John Lundemo have made them. I have one by Erik Stevenson, who is unfortunately no longer in the sword business.