sword; broad
Production date
Circa 1680
Description
Sword with a multi-fullered double-edged blade. The blade is decorated with semi circles and dots above and below in two places followed by a running wolf. It was found on a farm between Falkirk and Kilsyth. The blade was thought to be Spanish but is more likely German according to D Caldwell, NMS 11.4.1997. The ribbon hilt is typically Scottish. Engraved on the left hand side of the blade is "FERARA" and on the right hand side is "ANDRIA".
Letter in paper file froman expert at NMS states "sword with 'ribbon' basket hilt, Scottish, late 17thC or early 18thC. Only very few hilts like this have a maker's mark on the underside, and most of these are too corroded to identify. At least one I have come across can reasonably be associated with an Edinburgh armourer, and it is known that some Edinburgh armourers of the period specialised in making what they called 'Highland hilts'. I would suggest that this is a Highland hilt and a possible maker is David Bowie, admitted a freeman in 1695 , listed as a master armourer 1698-1706."
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Object detail
engraving:blade side 2:"ANDRIA"
Dimensions:blade:L 40.5cm (L 1' 3 15/16")
Dimensions:blade:W 3.3cm (W 1 5/16")
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