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The term "arming sword" (espées d'armes) is first used in the 15th century to refer to the single-handed type of sword after it had ceased to serve as the main weapon and was on its way to being used as a side-sword. [1] "Arming sword" in late medieval usage specifically refers to the estoc when worn as a side-arm, [2] but as a modern term it ...
The term claymore is an anglicisation of the Gaelic claidheamh-mòr "big/great sword", attested in 1772 (as Cly-more) with the gloss "great two-handed sword". [3] The sense "basket-hilted sword" is contemporaneous, attested in 1773 as "the broad-sword now used ... called the Claymore, (i.e., the great sword)", [4] although OED observes that this usage is "inexact, but very common".
Variant sword types with the standard trooper's blade, but a bowl hilt similar to that of the officers' pattern, in brass with a brass scabbard (for the Life Guards) or iron with an iron scabbard (for the Horse Guards), exist and are believed to have been issued to the other ranks of the Household regiments for use when on home (ceremonial ...
These swords were often of very fine construction and quality. Scottish swords continued to use the more traditional "V" cross-guards that had been on pre-Norse Gaelic swords, culminating in such pieces as the now famous "claymore" design. This was an outgrowth of numerous earlier designs, and has become a symbol of Scotland.
Swords can have single or double bladed edges or even edgeless. The blade can be curved or straight. Arming sword; Dagger; Estoc; Falchion; Katana; Knife; Longsword; Messer; Rapier; Sabre or saber (Most sabers belong to the renaissance period, but some sabers can be found in the late medieval period)
These were often stylised to represent the physical crown, sceptre, and sword used by Scottish monarchs, together called the Honours of Scotland. Above the crest was the slogan " In Defens ", a contraction of " In My Defens God Me Defend ", and surrounding the shield was the collar of the Order of the Thistle.
The sword is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). [1] long, of which the blade is 4 feet 4 inches (132 cm). The blade tapers from 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) wide at the guard to 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) before the point. The sword weighs 5.95 pounds (2.70 kg). [2] The sword is currently on display in the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland.
The original Sword of State of South Carolina (early 18th century) was used from 1704 to 1941, when it was stolen. [62] [63] A replacement Sword of State of South Carolina (1800) was used between 1941 and 1951. It was a cavalry sword from the Charleston Museum and was used in the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. [62]