Medieval Basket-Hilt Backsword

Early highland swords almost invariably carried the double-edged "broad-sword" blade, but by the time of the Battle of Culloden (1746) the single-edged "backsword" was at least equal in popularity. Our Basket-Hilt Backsword, replicated from an original in the collection of the Royal Armouries in England that dates from about 1760, has an unusual basket with twin engraved "horned beastie" plaques and a blade with twin fullers running most of its length. The blade is German in origin but the hilt and blade are contemporary. This sword is in a polished finish. The grips of the backswords are covered with wire-wrapped genuine rayskin and the basket liners are crafted in fabric-covered leather. The scabbards are leather-covered in black.