Hilt of a basket-hilted sword

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This detail shows the basket hilt and part of the blade of a sword dating from the mid 18th century. The hilt was made by Walter Allan of Stirling. The blade was imported from Germany.

The hilt has been fitted to a back blade - a blade which is sharp on the fore edge only, unlike a broad blade which is sharp on both edges.

The making of quality basket hilts in Stirling appears to have started in 1714 when John Allan moved there from Doune. Most trade was with the Highlands in the years before 1745. Allan's two sons carried on the business until it came to an end in 1770.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-261-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LA 159
• Date: Mid 18th century
  
• Material: Backsword
  
• Dimensions: 982 mm L x 95 mm max W x 128 mm max D
  
• What: Backsword
  
• Subject: Swords (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Walter Allan, Stirling (Swordsmith)
  
• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Stirling
  
• Event:
• Description: Basket hilted backsword by Walter Allan, Stirling
  
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