Hi Folks

Attached is a photo I came across that shows an unmounted basket-hilt that I've never seen before.
Has anyone seen this one before, or know of its whereabouts ?
The photos quality is a tad poor but It appears to be a pretty elegant inlaid/engraved piece ?
It looks to have been taken at some museum display , ?, but none that I've ever come across ?

Any help, or input, appreciated !

Cheers, Mac

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I'm sorry I can't help you with anything more useful than this:
I think it reminds me alot of the sword the new Hanwei basket hilted broadsword is based on. In Culloden - The Swords and Sorrows there is one which also resembles this one.
Anyways, thanks for sharing! It's a beautyful hilt!

Cheers,
Henrik

Mac...you are an evil, evil man. Showing us "basket heads" this beautiful piece and not a way to get one made!! Shame!! And you Henrik, which of the Hanwei models are you referring to? I am still looking for a basket to use with the saber project. Anyone have an idea? George

Hi Mac,

Plate number 1:14 shows a highly decorated stirling hilt which has the same general shape. They don't resemble each much save for the rather simple filework on the saltire bars (guess that's what made me think they were somewhat alike in the first place). But I think the Hanwei Broadsword hilt is a tad closer (though on that one the knuckleguard is of another general shape and the cut-outs are different).
The other unmounted hilt is the closest to the mark, Mac. It has the same general shape. The filework on the knuckleguard and saltire bars look very much alike too me.

1:14 from Culloden TSATS:
[ Linked Image ]
Here's a pic of the Hanwei.
[ Linked Image ]

Another two hilts with the same simple filework on the saltire bars:
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]

I'm sorry if it may be a bit off-topic, but the filework on the saltire bars is what caught my eye and attention.
Now, do you know if this kind of "simple" filework is exclusive to Stirling hilts? I'm somewhat convinced that it is...

Cheers,
Henrik[/quote]

Thanks, Henrik

Here is another inlaid basket-hilt (on the right) that is in the similar vein as the other two !

This one is LA 155 ( Mazansky photo) which I've edited out the pommel & blade on so the focus would be basket only !


Mac

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Mac, do you know if the lines on the bars on the LA 155 are fluted or are they inlays?
If it is fluting isn't this unusual for Stirling hilts?

Cheers,
Henrik

Dear Mac......Take a look at the Mad Piper website www.themadpiper.com, Donnie Shearer has an original Allan hilt to which he has access and has reproduced it. The one illustrated is the original and has silver inserts. I have a reproduction of this hilt on order with Donnie and hopefullt will have it by the end of the summer. However, I think it might be worth a look as you research the pedigree of the hilt in question. George Osborne

Hi Folks
Okay, I've had my fun .... time to let you guys know about the mystery basket-hilt in that photo !
(which I blurred and did a little antiquing too )

That baskethilt, which was indeed inspired by the beautiful LA 75 at Culloden, is the work of the amazing Vince Evans !



You folks that are lucky enough to be attending the Atlanta Blade Show this June will be able to view this incredible piece of work there, along with some other jaw droppers that I was privledged to get a early bird peek at !
But no need to be reaching for your checkbook as this baby is already sold (not me, unfortuately )

Vince racked up a staggering 188.5 hours working on this one, as the extensive silver inlay & engraving was quite time consuming & tedious, and with its gorgeous pattern weld blade, & carved interlace grip, it truly makes this one a sword fit for a Highland Chieftan.

Vince also did a most wonderful job on it's design layout mixing some old elements in yet keeping it fresh & new !
Yes sir, the man is an Artist with a capital A.
Here are some other shots that show this masterpiece in all it's beautiful glory, enjoy !

Cheers (and sorry for stringing you guys along ;-) Mac

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Amazing.... amazing work.... brilliant....

Why am I amazed? Of course Vince Evans is capable of such work. Of course he is.

Still....

It's not every day you see something like that, these days....

I was going to say that this was definitely the work of Walter Allen. I was certain of it.

Ol' Walt must be a little jealous, I think, wherever he is....

Incredible. Truely incredible...
The research and depth of detail is what really fascinates me with Mr. Evans work.
Do you know if he has made a scabbard for this masterpiece?

Thank you for sharing these beautyful pictures, Mac!

Cheers,
Henrik

A few more shots of this amazing sword !
(The sword weighs in at 3 lbs. 3 oz.)

Mac