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
two-hand sword features a 29"polished blade,
wood scabbard and handle, with simulated gold fittings.
This sword measures 49.5" overall and weighs 5.5
pounds.
