William Wallace Claymore [BRS3] - £99.99 : Dragon Reborn, Reviews

William Wallace Claymore
[BRS3]

£99.99

by Rebecca Mary Clarkson

Date Added: Thursday 06 November, 2014

I purchased this sword earlier this month and am well pleased with what I have received. I decided to conduct a couple of experiments before writing a review. Apparatus 1 large ancient design Claymore {which I have actually measured and is 145cm or 57in from point to the tip of the hilt and approximately 107cm or 42in from point to hand guard} in short this is a large, solid weapon. As in the description it is hand forged from high carbon steel and as such has excellent pliability. The blade itself has a pleasing antiqued finish, which I, as a fan of the distressed look find rather appealing. However, if you like a shiny factory fresh look this is not the sword for you. While the point is sharp, the blade is not. This can very easily be remedied. As the internet is awash with highly instructive material to this effect, I have no desire to venture off topic.
I took the instrument as it arrived and decided to test its capabilities. I waited until my good citizen neighbours were out and went out into my garden. It is sizable enough to swing a sword in, this sort of actitivity is not to be recommended if you live in a tower block. I took a piece wood about 3in thick and about 3ft long, it was slightly damp and as a consequence springy. I propped this up against a tree and took an almighty whack at it. I took about about 3/4in chunk out of it, with a dull blade. Having treated the blade with WD40 and replaced the sword in the house I got to thinking about William Wallace's own sword. The shaft of Which measures 132cm or 4ft 4in and the whole of which measures 163cm or 5ft 4in including the hilt. It is now housed at National Wallace Monument in Scotland. Before then it was kept in Dumbarton Castle. Where it had allegedly arrived care of Sir John de Menteith in August 1305. Exactly two centuries later in 1505 James IV of Scotland commanded that 26 shillings be paid to an armourer "For the binding of Wallace's sword with cords of silk". Along with the fitting of a "A new hilt and plommet" as well as " A new scabbard and a new belt". The repairs would have been necessary because, according to legend, Wallace's original Hilt, scabbard and belt, were said to have been made from the dried skin of Hugh Cressingham, one of the English commanders at The Battle Of Stirling Bridge. There have been many disputes as to the authenticity of the weapon many people including The Duke of Wellington enlisted experts to establish the provenance of the sword. Most modern experts share these doubts. In life Sir William Wallace 1270-August 23 1305 was a literal giant in said to stand about 6'7 and has a legacy which has lasted over 700yrs. While I thoroughly enjoyed Braveheart I understand it wasn't ever going to win a prize for historical accuracy. It was a romantic, Celtic love letter written on Hollywood notepaper. As Wallace memorabilia goes I'd say this sword was more authentic than most!

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]