1828 Pattern Scottish Highland Officer’s Basket-hilted Broadsword - Reproduction

**jviss** · 19th October 20, 09:55 AM

Of course, I'd love to have the real thing, but the market for these is just under $1,000 for a rough one, to past $2,000 for an antique. I think a brand new one can be had for about $1,800. Still quite dear.

I just ordered a cheap, Pakistani-made reproduction, for only $55! Yikes! I wonder what it will look like.

I was wondering, has anyone had a go at turning one of these into a good representation of a real one, perhaps with some metalwork, nickle plating, fabricating a white buckskin and red silk lining, etc.?

Any good books or websites for doing this?

Thanks,

jv

**Jock Scot** · 20th October 20, 05:53 AM

I don't want to be a kill-joy, but a useful saying that I used to hear in my youth, too many years ago now to matter, that sprang instantly to my mind when reading your post that may usefully apply.

"You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

**jviss** · 20th October 20, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I don't want to be a kill-joy, but a useful saying that I used to hear in my youth, too many years ago now to matter, that sprang instantly to my mind when reading your post that may usefully apply.

"You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

I'm sure there are others here who will find this interesting.

**Jock Scot** · 20th October 20, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by jviss

I'm sure there are others here who will find this interesting.

I am absolutely sure that they will.

**KennethSime** · 20th October 20, 08:57 PM

I'm a bit unclear as to your use case here, and also ignorant of the specific patterns from specific years.

I will say that I think the CAS/Hanwie model is very well-made for the money, though I believe it's based on an earlier 18th-century model. I've heard that the Cold Steel model is also pretty good for about $100 less.

Are you asking about upgrading one of the cheapies to become serviceable? I think the problem with the cheapies is that you mostly get what you pay for in terms of swords. In that sense, your expectations matter quite a bit. If you're just going to hang it on a wall, you might be able to make it look better with some TLC. It'll most likely be a game of diminishing returns, but you may be happy with it. If you were going to actually use the sword for actually cutting anything, I'd recommend starting with the Cold Steel or CAS/Hanwei.

**OC Richard** · 21st October 20, 04:56 AM

I got one back in the early 1980s, India-made, that was very nice.

Never used to cut anything! Never sharpened. Just a uniform accessory.

Here it is, a photo of me in the 80s. I would wear the sword when piping at military functions where the men in attendance wore swords.

Not having worn it 30 years I sold in recently on Ebay, it didn't go for very much. Now I know why, that new ones are very inexpensive!

**jviss** · 28th October 20, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by jviss

Of course, I'd love to have the real thing, but the market for these is just under $1,000 for a rough one, to past $2,000 for an antique. I think a brand new one can be had for about $1,800. Still quite dear.

I just ordered a cheap, Pakistani-made reproduction, for only $55! Yikes! I wonder what it will look like.

I was wondering, has anyone had a go at turning one of these into a good representation of a real one, perhaps with some metalwork, nickle plating, fabricating a white buckskin and red silk lining, etc.?

Any good books or websites for doing this?

Thanks,

jv

I'm quoting the original post because I want to remind folks here that, as interesting as their replies are, regarding wearing a sword or not with highland dress, cutting things with a sword, and so on, I was really just asking about a realistic reproduction.

I think the best bet now, the best value for something that's actually in use by members of the armed services, is the one from Military Heritage. After I placed my order I read some reviews, and there were several complaints of little or slow or no customer service, unanswered emails, no phone support, and so on. My experience so far has been positive. Upon placing my order I immediately received an (presumably automated) email confirmation which stated orders would be processed within 3 to 5 business days. On the fourth business day I received a shipping notification with a UPS tracking number which showed I would receive my sword in two more days (that's Ontario to Massachusetts). So far, so good. Stay tuned.

jv