1648) TWO RARE SCOTTISH STAFF WEAPONS CIRCA 1700:
1) A RARE SCOTTISH LOCHABER AXE CIRCA 1700 WITH MAKERS MARK:
Discussion: An original variant of the traditional Lochaber with the working life modification of a shortened haft, possibly for close-quarter fighting.
Comparables:
-‘The Swords & the Sorrows,’ p.54, fig. 3.1.
– ‘Scottish Weapons & Fortifications 1100-1800’, p.304, for a photo of an example with a rear spike in Inveraray Castle.
Condition: Good.
Conclusion: Scottish weapons with a fighting history are rare and highly collectible. Here is your chance to own an important piece of Scottish military history for a lot less than you are imagining. ACT-NOW, I believe they will sell quickly!!!*
2) A RARE VARIANT OF AN ENGLISH/SCOTTISH DOUBLE-EDGED BILL CIRCA 1520:
Discussion: At one time, weapons such as the were quite common. They were highly effective and could be made by the village blacksmith. They could be easily learned to use by the citizen militia. So why have so few survived? The answer is actually quite simple. First) Steel was a priceless commodity. As soon as a steel item was no longer needed or outdated, it was melted for another purpose. For example, The great helm was the preferred helmet of the knight during 1080–1250. However, it continued to be used long after 1250. The great helm remained in use in a ceremonial context and/or for recreational jousting through much of the 14th century. Even though thousands of great helms were made over a 200-year period and were used throughout Europe, only about 20 known examples have survived.
Second) Items that were carefully cared for after their useful life were usually very pretty or expensive and were kept as decoration. A staff weapon like this would not make a pretty decoration for the average person unless they were collectors.
Description: It has a 40cm double-edge head with a central spike and two outward-turned wings for dismounting a member of the cavalry. It is mounted on a later wooden haft, possibly working life.
Conclusion: Scottish weapons with a fighting history are rare and highly collectible. Here is your chance to own an important piece of Scottish military history for a lot less than you are imagining. ACT-NOW, I believe they will sell quickly!!!*