It is likely that the blade of the original sword was made in Germany a century earlier and re-hilted as basket designs were refined. The Basket-Hilt Backsword (SH2003,SH2003N - antiqued) dates from about 1760 and has an unusual basket with twin engraved “horned beastie” plaques and a blade with twin fullers running most of its length. Again the original blade is German in origin but the blade and hilt are contemporary. The SH2003 and SH2003N have wire-wrapped ray skin handles and cloth-covered leather basket liners.
The term "broadsword,"
while it has become a generic term for the European sword
in general, is not really an accurate term when used in
that way. The only "true" usage of the word
"broadsword" is when it applies specifically
to the Scottish basket-hilt weapon of the 17th and 18th
C., when that specific term was in usage to that specific
weapon (what some people also call a "claymore")
Early incarnations of the basket-hilt
sword (right) was in many respects more effective than
later models. The basket of steel bars does an excellent
job of protecting the hand, yet does not add a great amount
of weight. Well balanced, this is an excellent cut and
thrust weapon.
