“Number 33.” “The “Amen” Sword?” A German Military backsword of Landsknecht form, circa 1525. A rare German backsword of “Landsknecht” form. Circa 1525. Blade marked with the number “33.” (Photos courtesy of F.J.A.G.) Dimensions :- Backsword, with ricasso, and twin fullers as far as the double edged tip. Overall Length :- 40 and one half inches.Continue reading “Swords of the “Border Reivers.””
Category Archives: Border Reivers Scotland
The Eildon Hills, Sacred Mountains of the “Scottish Borders”, and “La Belle Dame Sans Merci”
The Eildons. This is a view of the Eildon Hills, near Melrose, with the Pringle Tower of Smailholm in foreground. It was taken from just west of Kelso on the road to St Boswells. The Eildons are one of the most important sites in the Borders, and though the obvious archeology hasContinue reading “The Eildon Hills, Sacred Mountains of the “Scottish Borders”, and “La Belle Dame Sans Merci””
Armour 2. The Real Thing, a fighting breastplate of the era of the Border Reivers, circa 1590.
A fine battered and battle scarred breastplate of the late 16th century. I have often been asked just what kind of armour the Border Reivers wore, and apart from the upper echelons of society the answer must always be the same…..Whatever they could get their hands on! “Scottish” armour near enough does not exist. SomeContinue reading “Armour 2. The Real Thing, a fighting breastplate of the era of the Border Reivers, circa 1590.”
Guns of the “Border Reivers.” A very good Nuremberg all steel wheellock pistol circa 1585.
An extremely rare “plain” wheellock pistol circa 1585. From the workshop of Peter Danner. (Ex. Evan Perry collection. Ex. Royal Armouries.) (photos courtesy of F.J.A.G.) Odd View eh? And why you ask is it so very rare?… Well… it’s because our old friends the “Victorians” took most of the surviving examples, and “improved” them with lots ofContinue reading “Guns of the “Border Reivers.” A very good Nuremberg all steel wheellock pistol circa 1585.”
The “Steel Bonnet” A Master at work. A very good and untouched South German Burgonet circa 1580. It gets no better than this!
It gets no better than this! Photos courtesy of F.J.A.G. This is a “munitions” burgonet, circa 1580. Untouched. Not even cleaned! But… a “munitions,” (?) burgonet with a one piece skull, hammer raised by a Master Armourer. Although from an armoury containing mostly “munitions quality” helmets, this one stands out. It bearsContinue reading “The “Steel Bonnet” A Master at work. A very good and untouched South German Burgonet circa 1580. It gets no better than this!”
Swords of the “Border Reivers.” Of Hearts, Heart brooches, Heart burials, and “Rules of Engagement,” ….
16th century Fatlips Castle Border Peel tower in Roxburghshire, Scotland
Fatlips Castle as it stood in 1857 Fatlips Castle, a 16th century pele tower of rectangular stone was founded by the Turnbulls of Barnhill. The castle sitsContinue reading “16th century Fatlips Castle Border Peel tower in Roxburghshire, Scotland”
CLAN CARRUTHERS SOCIETY (USA) 