Basket Hilt Sword: Best Places to Buy

In the realm of historical weaponry, few objects captivate the imagination quite like the basket hilt sword. These elegant and versatile blades, originating in the 16th century, have left an indelible mark on both the battlefield and the annals of artistry. With their distinctive handguards resembling woven baskets, these swords embody a seamless fusion of form and function. 

From the heat of combat to the pages of literature and the displays of collectors, the basket hilt sword’s legacy is a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship and the evolving nature of martial arts. Delving into the history, design, and enduring fascination with these weapons offers a glimpse into the past and an understanding of their lasting appeal.

What is a Basket Hilt Sword?

A basket hilt sword, a sword type from the early modern era, is distinguished by its unique basket-shaped guard designed to protect the hand. This guard development evolved from the quillons present on swords’ crossguards since the Late Middle Ages. In contemporary terminology, these swords are sometimes referred to as broadswords. 

The basket hilt sword primarily served as a military weapon, setting it apart from the rapier—a slender dueling sword worn with civilian attire during the same period. However, both sword types found utility in both military and civilian contexts. 

A key differentiation within this category is between true broadswords, which possess double-edged blades, and backswords—similarly wide-bladed swords with a single sharpened edge and a thickened back. Basket hilts of various forms were fitted onto both broadsword and backsword blades.

The basket hilt sword gained prominence during the 16th century, with its popularity reaching its zenith in the 17th century and enduring widespread usage throughout the 18th century. It was a favored choice for heavy cavalry until the Napoleonic era. 

Notably, one of the earliest basket-hilted swords was discovered in the wreckage of the English warship Mary Rose, which was lost in 1545. Over time, the wire guard design evolved from simplicity to intricate and ornate sculpting.

In terms of functionality, the basket hilt sword was intended for both cutting and thrusting actions, making it highly suitable for military combat. This set it apart from the rapier—a thrust-oriented sword often worn for civilian dress. The term “broadsword” was used during the 17th and 18th centuries to refer to double-edged basket-hilted swords, distinguishing them from the smaller and narrower smallswords. 

Regional variations of basket hilts emerged by the 17th century, such as the Walloon hilt, Sinclair hilt, schiavona, mortuary sword, Scottish broadsword, and certain types of eastern European pallasches. The mortuary and claybeg variants were notably popular in the British Isles and influenced the 18th-century cavalry sabre.

As time progressed, the fashion of dueling shifted towards lighter small swords, relegating fencing with the broadsword to a Scottish specialty. Throughout the 18th century, numerous fencing manuals were published, teaching the art of the Scottish broadsword. 

Descendants of the basket hilt sword continued to see use, albeit in the form of backswords with reduced “half” or “three-quarter” baskets. These swords persisted in cavalry during the Napoleonic era and the 19th century, exemplified by various patterns such as the 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword, the Gothic Hilted British Infantry Swords, and the 1897 Pattern British Infantry Officer’s Sword. 

Even as late as the eve of World War I, swords like the Pattern 1908 and 1912 cavalry swords were employed. Remarkably, Major Jack Churchill wielded the Scottish broadsword in combat during World War II, underscoring the enduring legacy of this distinctive and historically significant weapon.

Best Places to Buy a Basket Hilt Sword

Kult of Athena

Explore an extensive selection of swords, armor, shields, and more from various cultures and eras. With offerings spanning the Bronze Age to World War II, Kult of Athena’s curated collection captures the essence of history. Partnering with renowned brands and showcasing exclusive designs, they provide options for every budget. 

Their Chicago-based warehouse ensures quality control, and a knowledgeable team offers personalized assistance. With a commitment to transparency, seamless international shipping, and customer satisfaction, Kult of Athena is a beacon for enthusiasts and collectors, inviting you to journey through time via the artistry of basket hilt sword and beyond.

My Top Pick from Kult of Athena – Hanwei Scottish Basket Hilt Backsword

Features:

• Blade Versatility: Combining historical accuracy and battle readiness, the Hanwei Scottish Basket Hilt Backsword showcases the transition from the double-edged “broadsword” to the single-edged “backsword” blade design that gained popularity by the Battle of Culloden (1746).
• Precise Specifications: With an overall length of 39 5/8”, a sharp 32 3/4” blade, and a weight of 3 lb 1.2 oz, this back sword offers a formidable presence on the battlefield. The threaded pommel, along with a grip length of 4 1/2”, ensures secure handling and control.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Crafted from 1566 High Carbon Steel, this battle-ready weapon carries the legacy of Scottish culture and heritage. Manufactured by Hanwei, a renowned name in sword craftsmanship, this Basket-Hilt Broadsword exemplifies authenticity while hailing from China.

Etsy

Etsy, the renowned global marketplace, remains a steadfast beacon of human ingenuity and connection amidst an automated world. Upholding the essence of human touch in commerce, Etsy serves as a haven for artisans and enthusiasts seeking unique treasures. 

Guided by principles of sustainability and responsibility, this platform fosters a community where creators and seekers converge for extraordinary, imaginative, and heartfelt goods. With seamless search tools, Etsy offers a curated selection of handcrafted and custom-made offerings, including items like the antique basket hilt sword, meticulously crafted by talented sellers. 

As a technological hub, Etsy ensures secure connections between buyers and sellers while championing positive change through each acquisition, echoing through businesses, individuals, and the environment. Etsy’s commitment to a better future is evident in its pioneering efforts to offset carbon emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2030, reinforcing a movement that celebrates exceptional creativity, ethics, and sustainability.

My Top Pick from Etsy – Basket Hilt Scottish 16th Century Broadsword

Features:

• Authentic Design: Crafted with a brass basket hilt, this Scottish broadsword mirrors the style of the 16th century, exuding historical authenticity.
• Impressive Length: Measuring 41.5 inches overall, this broadsword, accompanied by a steel scabbard, boasts a substantial size, capturing the essence of its era.
• Intricately Detailed: The 33.5-inch high carbon steel blade is complemented by a meticulously sculpted 7-inch guard made from pure brass. The interior features a rich red fabric, accentuating its ornate nature. The pommel is adorned with a striking red tassel, enhancing its visual allure.

Basket Hilt Sword Variations

Schiavona

Originating in the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy, the Schiavona bears its roots in the 16th-century weapons of Balkan mercenaries who served as the Doge of Venice’s bodyguards. Its name derives from the Schiavoni, Istrian, and Dalmatian Slavs who formed the guard’s composition. 

Easily recognizable due to its distinct “cat’s-head pommel” and a handguard fashioned from numerous leaf-shaped brass or iron bars, the Schiavona boasts a basket hilt design with an embedded quillon for upper guard protection. Classified as a true broadsword, this basket hilt sword variation showcases a wider blade compared to contemporary rapiers. 

Its versatility encompasses both cutting and thrusting techniques, benefiting from extra weight for enhanced penetration. The Schiavona gained favor among heavy cavalry and found popularity among both mercenary soldiers and affluent civilians who adorned it with gilding and precious stones.

Mortuary Sword

The cut-and-thrust mortuary sword came into use after 1625 among cavalry during the English Civil War. Sporting a straight blade measuring around 90–105 cm, this sword features a half-basket hilt, often adorned with intricate sculpting. Post the execution of King Charles I, “mortuary swords” emerged, etched with the visage of the “martyred” king on the hilt. 

This term has evolved to encompass Civil War-era broadswords in some literature. The moniker potentially alludes to the practice of placing war heroes’ arms in churches as funeral displays. Oliver Cromwell favored the mortuary sword, and examples attributed to him are held by various museums. However, these swords waned in popularity by around 1670, eventually being supplanted by the smallsword.

Scottish Broadsword

The Scottish basket hilt broadsword, known as claidheamh mor or claymore, played a significant role among clansmen during the Jacobite rebellions of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Often referred to as the “great sword” in Gaelic, it was a prominent fixture in Highland culture. 

The name “claybeg” has also been proposed, signifying “small sword” in Gaelic, but this interpretation is debated. The Scottish broadsword was a symbol of the Highlands’ martial heritage and was favored by clansmen in battle.

Sinclair Hilt

Dubbed the “Sinclair Hilt,” this type of sword received its name from Victorian antiquarians due to its resemblance to swords used in the Scottish Highlands during the 17th and 18th centuries. Named after George Sinclair, a Scottish mercenary who perished in the Battle of Kringen in Norway, this variation is characterized by its unique design elements.

Walloon Sword

The Walloon sword, or haudegen, was prevalent during the Thirty Years’ War and the Baroque era in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Its origins are attributed to an English prototype, subsequently developing in the Netherlands and Germany. 

Sporting a distinctive thumb-ring and a double shell guard or half-basket, the Walloon sword enjoyed favor among both military and civilian gentry. The presence of a thumb-ring marked it as non-ambidextrous. This variation had a significant impact on the design of 18th-century continental hunting hangers.

Conclusion

The basket hilt sword’s journey through time, from the battlefields of yore to the collections of today’s enthusiasts, is a reminder of humanity’s unyielding quest to master both the practical and the aesthetic. Whether admired as elegant relics of a bygone era or revered as symbols of martial prowess, these swords continue to wield their influence over the modern imagination. 

Just as the basket hilt sword was designed to protect the hand while allowing a firm grip, this remarkable weapon has safeguarded its place in history while remaining firmly grasped by the threads of fascination, inspiring generations to come.