Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/348

 pommels are, however, always very deep in section, indeed, often of the depth of their height. In some cases, they may be seen hollow and composed of two pieces brazed together; but in the case of the Noël Paton sword the pommel is solid. This sword, with the exception of its damaged quillon, is in an excellent state of preservation, never having been subjected to any violent overcleaning. It is engraved in the "Prehistoric Annals of Scotland" of Dr. Daniel Wilson, who, on p. 682, speaks of it with enthusiasm. Sir Noël Paton obtained it from W. B. Johnstone, Esq., R.S.A.

Latest type, about 1610. Collection: H.M. the King, Windsor Castle

To trace the evolution of the Scottish Claidheamh-mor from the general type of sword prevalent in Northern Europe late in the XIIIth and early in the XIVth century, does not present much difficulty. Early in the XVth century, and possibly before the word Claidheamh-mor came into use, it was undoubtedly a single-handed sword of no great length. Indeed, we are able to illustrate a Scottish sword of that date, which curiously enough was found in London near the Bank of England (Fig. 686). Here can be seen the quillon sloping away at an obtuse angle from the grip; while the