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Basket-Hilted Broadsword

By: Paul Chen - Hanwei

Andrea Ferara Claymore

The basket hilt sword was quite popular in Britain from mid-sixteenth century they began to fall out of fashion in favor of lighter faster swords. The Seventeenth and eighteenth century they were the most desired sword to own for the Scottish highlander because of breakthrough's made by Legendary sword maker Andrea Ferara.

Who was Andrea Ferara?

There are many legends of Andrea from his origins and his relationship to the Scottish highlands, but through countless tellings a few things remain consistent. Andrea studied in an armoury and learned blade smithing in Toledo Spain where he spent years mastering the craft. He became a legend on the forge producing techniques that strengthened the steel and improved it's flexibility beyond the already sought after and superior tempering capabilities used on Spanish steel. He then travelled to Scotland and began forging the Scottish basket hilt. Depending on the version you believe Scotland was his homeland but other versions claim he was born in Italy or Spain. His swords would bear his full name “Andrea Ferara” as his makers mark and became so sought after his very name became a statement which meant quality. “That is truly an Andrea Ferara”

A Legendary Sword

This Basket-Hilt Broadsword was replicated from an original in the collection of the Royal Armouries in England. It carries a typical Glasgow style hilt from around the mid-18th century. It is likely that the blade of the original sword, marked "Andrea Ferara", was made in Germany a century earlier and re-hilted as basket designs were refined. The hilt is crafted from stainless steel, to minimize maintenance, The high-carbon steel sword blade is nicely polished. The grip of the broadsword is covered with wire-wrapped genuine rayskin and the basket liner is crafted in fabric-covered leather.