Hilt of a basket-hilted broadsword

This detail shows the hilt and part of the blade of a broadsword dating from the mid 18th century. The basket hilt, inlaid with copper, was made by John Allan junior, of Stirling. The sword blade was imported from Germany.

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

The making of quality basket hilts in Stirling appears to have started in 1714 when John Allan moved there from Doune. Some of Allan's best hilts are decorated in the same style as Doune pistols.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-246-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LA 107
• Date: c. 1740 - 1755
  Mid 18th century
  
• Material: Brass inlay. Inscription: On hilt: JA/S. / on blade: THIELL KEULLER &c.
  Broadsword
  
• Dimensions: 991 mm L x 105 mm max W x 128 mm max D
  
• What: Broadsword
  
• Subject: Swords (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: John Allan, junior, Stirling (Swordsmith)
  
• Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Stirling
  
• Event:
• Description: Broadsword with a pierced basket hilt inlaid with brass and signed "JA/S", by John Allan, junior, of Stirling, c. 1740 - 1755
  
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