Claymores

Mainstay of the Highland warriors of the late 15th and 16th centuries, the Claymore had a uniquely styled hilt that sets it apart from other great swords of the period. Typically of hand-and-a-half length, this versatile weapon could deliver great sweeping slashes or powerful thrusts. Replicated from a surviving museum piece our Claymore (SH2060) is classic in its design, with distinctive sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils and a high-collared quillon block with langets following the blade fuller. The leather-covered grip is topped by a globate pommel.

Total length: 139.1cm
Blade length: 104.1cm
Grip length: 26.7cm
Weight: 2.21kg
Blade thickness (base): 0.57cm
Blade thickness (CoP): 0.34cm
Blade width (base):  4.52cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 16.6cm
Centre of Percussion (CoP): 78.7cm
Blade: 1566 High Carbon Steel
Edge: Sharp
Pommel: Peened
Scabbard: Not Included

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

The Claymore (from the Scottish Gaelic claidheamh-mòr, meaning “great sword”) is a Scottish variant of the late medieval 2 handed sword. It differed from other longswords of the period in that it usually had forward sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils. Claymores were in use during constant clan warfare and fights with the English from the 15^th to 17^th century. Claymores did exist as early as the Wars of Scottish Independence although they were smaller and few had the characteristic quatrefoil design. The last time that claymores were seen on the battlefield in any significant number was the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Our Two Handed Scottish Claymore has a hand-forged high carbon steel blade topped with solid steel hilt fittings and a stained real wood grip. This sword has a blunt blade and is designed for display only.

Overall Length: 123cm
Blade Length: 92cm
Blade Width: 5.8cm
Blade Thickness: 0.5cm
Guard Width: 29cm
Guard Depth: 2.9cm
Grip Length: 19cm
Blade: High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Peened
Scabbard: None

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

The word Gallowglass is an Anglicisation of the Irish word Gallóglaigh meaning “foreign soldiers”. They were mercenary warrior elite among Scottish clans living in the Highlands and Western Isles between the 13^th and 16^th century. During the 13^th century they started to settle in Ireland where military chieftains would frequently use them as bodyguards as they were not subject to local feuds or influences.

A description from 1600, speaks of the Gallowglass as "...pycked and scelected men of great and mightie bodies, crewell without compassion. The greatest force of the battell consisteth in them, chosing rather to dye than to yeelde, so that when yt cometh to handy blowes they are quickly slayne or win the fielde." They were famed for using their broadswords or claymores ("claíomh mór" - Gailic for “Great Sword”) with terrifying effect in battle.

Overall Length: 136cm
Blade Length: 104cm
Blade Width: 6.35cm
Blade Thickness: 0.6cm
Guard Width: 30cm
Guard Depth: 2.9cm
Grip Length: 18.5cm
Blade: High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Peened
Scabbard: None

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.