Irish Two-Hander

Ireland has always been rich in beauty, art, language and the warlike spirit of its warriors. The Vikings, Normans, English- ­ everyone who fought the Irish gave them their due for bravery, honor, and a willingness to fight. One of the most feared was the Irish mercenary, the Gallowglass. Willing to sell his swordsmanship, the Gallowglass fought in Ireland, Scotland, and even fought for the English when the pay was right. Always a few years behind the Continent in the development of arms and armor, using sword, targe and mail when most of Europe had gone to plate, the Irish were still equal to anyone in valor. One of their favorite weapons was the large two-handed sword. As the Scots' claymore had its distinctive crossguard, so did the two handed Irish sword have its distinctive pommel. The pommel was circular, and open faced, so that you could see the tang. Blade is of tempered steel, and the awesome ­but nicely balanced ­ proportions are sparingly decorated with thistle-shaped tips on the guard. Grip is wood, wrapped with leather. This Irish version of the claymore is most impressive. Comes complete with leather scabbard. This functional sword was copied from a sword shown in "Celtic Warriors" by Tim Newark. CIRCA 1400-1600