Hanwei Antiqued Scottish Basket Hilt Backsword

Early Scottish highland swords almost invariably carried the double-edged “broadsword” blade, but by the time of the Battle of Culloden (1746) the single-edged “backsword” was at least equal in popularity. Paul Chen’s Basket-Hilt Backsword, replicated from an original sword 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 of the original was German in origin, but the hilt and blade are contemporary to 18th century Scotland and likely made by local cutlers. This was a common practice at the time to import high quality German blades which were then hilted and finished locally.

This reproduction of the original Royal Armouries sword features an antiqued finish to give it an aged appearance. The hilt is crafted in antique-finished stainless steel at Hanwei, to minimize maintenance, and is finished with a museum-quality patina. The high-carbon blade is also lightly “antiqued” to promote authenticity. The grip is covered with wire-wrapped genuine rayskin and the basket liner, like the original, is crafted in fabric-covered leather. The scabbard is wood and is wrapped in stitched leather anf completed with matching stainless steel fittings.