There is some resemblance but then there are a lot of basket hilts which look very similar to each other. The heart and round piercings are quite common in basket hilts of different origins and you will note that the decorations on Adm. Oliphant's sword are more defined than those on your sword. And, the piercings line up better, at least on one of the guards.

I think that Karl may be correct when he ascribes this to an Indian producer. There are numerous shops in India producing very good copies of basket hilts and other swords - and some not so good. Since Karl says he saw very similar swords with Indian provenance at a show, we might want to lean in that direction.

I have attached a photo of one of my basket hilts which, although not marked, may have been made in India. I certainly did not pay a lot for it at the time. It is a very good copy right down to the proof disk in the blade. Where it fails - aside from the size of the basket - is the blade itself. It has a lot of etching but it looks much too worn to be legitimate, given the condition of the basket and sheath. One chap came up to me at Grandfather Mountain years ago and pronounced it a genuine antique.

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Here are some interesting copies at this site.


http://www.themadpiper.com/swords.htm


Look to # SW 12, # SW 13, #SW 14.

Lyn, aye, I think you are correct, most likely a copy, I just can't see the crude markings being on anyones sword, even if it was just a bottom of the range one! But the niggle is that the Admirals sword also looks pretty crude, mind you that may be a fake too..... :eek:

This sword collecting is a nightmare, I may go for a good replica till I can afford a good original, anyone know the best replicas available at the correct price!?

Karl - love the Mad piper site - some nice repors but seem expensive!