Medieval History/warfare, Anything Medieval

[Rindy]

Your very welcome jime307. I hope you do order one and would love to hear what you got and may be pictures....I think you will be happy with it.

Slainte

[TMcAdams]

Great thread guys! I was wondering if anyone knows of any Scottish weaponry books? My main interest is in Claymores.

I have found a couple websites with info...
http://sites.scran.ac.uk/weapon/index.html

http://members.aol.com/dargolyt/TheForge/WPNMAIN.HTM

which are good, but I would also like a book.
Thom

[LadyOfAvalon]

Hi Thom, I do have two titles that may be of interest to you.

Swords and Sword makers of England and Scotland.

Weapons-A Pictorial History.

[jime307]

The Scottish Claymore ( Claidheamh Mòr)
The claymore was an awesome weapon on the battlefield. The amazing reach (as much as 60 inches of overall length for standard claymores)made it extremely difficult for opponents to close with the wielder. The long ricasso allowed the bearer to switch to a more close-quarters style of combat if an opponent made it inside his distance. The claymore (or more accurately, "Claidheamh-mor" in Gaelic) was first reportedly used in the 13th century, and was used as recently as the 18th century. The twisted hilt claymore was the most recent of the claymores (c. 1500) and features the downward-angled crosses that end in small honeycomb patterns. The twisted wooden hilt was a better way to grip the sword (and the fact that it looks so damn cool probably had something to do with its broad acceptance among highlanders). Legend has it that a claymore was hurled into the field of battle, toward an opposing army before combat, to signify that the Scottish troops were ready to fight. No real evidence of this, but it’s cool and fits the highlander idiom, so we thought we’d pass it along.
This info was found here http://www.strongblade.com/history/scottis...ishweapons.html
and I'll keep my eye out for more Sorry about my inactivity on the forums everyone hope i didn't miss too much!

[Rindy]

That's very interesting jime307. Glad your back. Thanks for posting this.
Claymore's is my favorite..

Slainte

[TMcAdams]

Thanks very much for the great info everybody!
Is it true that the lowland Claymore had straight quillions? All my Claymores have drooping quillions as per Highland type, as the Gregors are a Highland clan. I have seen pictures of Wallace's sword, and it has straight quillions.
Thanks for all input!
Thom

[Rindy]

Hi Thom This is one of the best sites I have ever found on answering your questions about swords of any kind. There is more information on claymores in the Arms and Armour thread also. Hope this helps.

Sword Forum

Here is a picture of what William Wallaces sword would of looked like and some information about it and the legend himself.

William Wallace Sword

Slainte

[TMcAdams]

Thanks very much Rindy!

[LadyOfAvalon]

Thanks Rindy for that picture. I've seen that great sword with my own eyes and mounted the 250 steps in that monument and more because one have to climb the mountain by foot to get to the monument.

Having this said...it was worth it.The great sword was taller than me and I'm 5'8" and they don't exaggerate when they say that it is impressive. I've read many stories about William Wallace and they all describe him as a very tall and strongly built man.

If the legends are true I think the sword in display there is proof enough about the man himself.

[Rindy]

Your both very welcome. That would be so wonderful to be able to see his sword. He was a tall man. My claymore is 55 inches long, with 4 circle quillions very nice sword, If you want to see it its in Arms and Armour thread I put I couple of pics up. I have almost had it a year now.. Where does the time go.. With it being so long you should of seen the trouble I had getting it sent from Scotland..they asked over and over is it a real sword...then I would say battle ready-then have to say sharp. Took awhile but I finally have it to go with my Nights Templar and Junjitsu sword and a copper dagger that a man hand made it..he would love to make people swords and daggers.. If you need info give me a pm and I give it to you.


If you guys find anything ya want to add to the claymore type away!!!!

Slainte

[jime307]

Wow that sword must have been Incredible, I hope I'll get to see it someday, Bigger than 5'8 whoa can't see anyone holding that.

I don't have a Claymore but I have an Impressive Broadsword It's about 4'7 and it's really heavy, but kinda neat too

[Rindy]

jime307, I think your sword sounds wonderful. I would love to see a picture of it if you have one. I think it is amazing how these people carried these swords. Just to be able to mount your horse in armor would of been something...they had to be in fantastic shape.

Slainte

[jime307]

about the man who made swords on the site you posted rindy, How do I order one of those?

[Rindy]

Hi jime307, I am not sure which site your referring too. Is it the Kirkpatrick swords and daggers?

Slainte

[Rindy]

Hi jime307 Is this the one you were looking for?

Swords & Daggers

Click on the links page and then Kirkpatrick Swords. I have the copper celtic cross dagger and its so neat. All are one of a kind as they are hand made and he does wonderful work-just drop him a email. I hope this helps. I hope you get one. Let me know.
I will post this post/link in the Arms and Armors thread so I don't lose track of it.

Slainte