SH2003N -- Basket-Hilt Backsword Early highland swords almost invariably carried the double-edged “broadsword” blade, but by the time of the Battle of Culloden (1746) the single-edged “backsword” was at least equal in popularity. Our Basket-Hilt Backsword, replicated from an original in the collection of the Royal Armouries in England that dates from about 1760, has an unusual basket with twin engraved “horned beastie” plaques and a blade with twin fullers running most of its length. The blade is German in origin, but the hilt and blade are contemporary. The sword is available in both polished and antiqued finishes. Both hilts are crafted from stainless steel, to minimize maintenance, that of the SH2003 being polished while the SH2003N “antiqued” version has a museum-quality patina. The high-carbon blade of the SH2003N is also lightly “antiqued” to promote authenticity. The grips of the backswords are covered with wire-wrapped genuine rayskin and the basket liners are crafted in fabric-covered leather. The scabbards are leather-covered, black in the case of the SH2003 and brown for the SH2003N. Swords Made by Hanwei. Sword Key Features: Twin fullers Wire-wrapped ray skin handles Twin engraved “horned beastie” plaques Sword Specifications: Blade length: 32 1/2“ Overall length: 39“ Weight: 2lb 9oz Point of Balance: 3" Point of Percussion: 21" Width at Guard: 1.25" Width at Tip: .87" Thickness at Guard: .23" Thickness at Tip: .10"