Hi All

I have no doubt about the authenticity of this sword but would like opinions on it before making a purchase. It is early 18th century and a Scottish basket hilted backsword. There are a few dents and broken parts but nothing that does not cry out as 'fake'! It all looks genuine and well used to me! But I am a novice!?

Cheers Mike

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Hi Mike,
congrats on the beautiful Danish fiancee and on all this Highland Scots stuff you're digging up. The sword looks OK to me but it's impossible to be certain just from photos - you need to handle it, does it feel right? can you wield it comfortably and efficiently? If so go for it, worth a punt of a few hundred pounds. I have one very similar, the hilt made up by a small-town armourer or journeyman. By the way those 'replica' highland pistols are horrible - better use the Danish dowry and buy a real 18th cent. Doune pistol, only about £10K! Anyway, good luck.
Neil

That price is good, if it's an original.... As far as I can tell, I can see no obvious reason to question it's origins, myself..... but then, what do I know.... does it come with a money-back garauntee, or an inspection period during which you can receive a full refund? Is it from a well-established dealer with a good reputation? Is there any way you can inspect it prior to purchase?

A very good looking sword from this seller I think?


http://www.albanarms.com/index.php?page=Swords

Have you looked here? The american dollar is very afordable now to Europeans.

http://faganarms.com/ascottishbasket-hiltedbroadswordc1730.aspx

Mike,
OK so I was a bit facetious about the cash, but I am reluctant to advise anyone on how much to spend on something I've seen only in photos. Basically I agree with David Wilson except his (USA) valuation. While the sword seems genuine enough it also seems to be of quite modest quality. I certainly would not pay more than £2,000 and would suggest that you save up a bit more and buy a good quality basket-hilt for £6-8000 - it will keep its value better in the long run. Not one of the Allans or Simpsons or Gemmill (any of these would set you back £10-20K), but an unsigned Stirling or Glasgow sword is a lot cheaper or a good replica eg from Armour Class in Glasgow. It all depends on what you want and how much you've got to spend. The specialist auction houses often have b-hs eg Bonhams, Tom del Mar, Christies - they tend to have 2 sales a year each and can be relied on for accurate descriptions of age and condition. Hope this helps.
Neil