The Scottish Claymore was
usually identified with the Scots as a symbol of pride
and strength. The Claymore, or "Claidheamh-mor"
(Great Sword) in Gaelic is a two handed broad sword utilized
by the Scottish Highlander throughout several centuries.
Used in the constant clan warfare and border fights with
the English from 1500 t0 1650 and still in use as late
as the Rebellion of 1745, the two-handed Claymore seems
to be an offshoot of earlier broadswords as they were
developed into great-swords.
Widely feared because its lightness
made it faster in combat than its European counterparts,
this sword developed a distinctive style of cross guard
with down-sloping arms that ended in spatulate swellings.
The Claymore, from about 1520, shows the true Scottish
form which was finally developed. It was said that the
bearer of a Claymore needed no shield (how could he carry
one, anyway?) because the reach of the sword provided
its own protection.
This
massive two-hand sword features a polished 42"
sttel blade, 13" brass habdguard/pommel, and a wood
handle. This sword measures 55.5" overall and weighs
7 pounds.
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