Decorative display of weapons — how do you do it?

[Jack Daw]

Frankly, I like they you have your intentions set up. A good friend and piper has a similar display that he mounted above one of his inner doors.

[Sir Didymous]

I like the look of your mock-up, Shaun. If I were doing it, I'd likely do it the same way (swords crossed behind the targe), but I wouldn't make the tartan such a rigid square. I'd probably just make a hanger for the tartan that sits behind the targe, so the tartan fabric could drape a little more naturally. Maybe make it look like part of a plaid with a fringed bottom and a more free-flowing look. But that's just my own personal decorating style.

You could also have a custom wood-carved plaque above the assembly that says Maxwell. The possibilities there are endless. Leather, wood, iron, with or without a clan motto, above or below the targe, etc.

*edited to add: Oh, and I might be tempted to buy a reproduction Scottish pistol and mount it on there too!

I like this idea, but another option would be to have the clan motto above the display. Mottos on Scottish arms typically are above as opposed to under like most of the heraldic world. I think it would be very distinctive, more so than say just the family name. But that's just my opinion.

[ShaunMaxwell]

Well, I finally got the backsword to go along with the broadsword and targe, so this morning, I hung them up over the mantle. They're mounted in such a way that they're easily removable. Both swords are CAS Haweii items, and the targe came from Bold Blades (http://www.boldblades.com/html/misce...s_weapons.html).

At any rate, here's how it looks:





While it bothers me a bit that the pattern on the targe isn't lining up either vertically or "on the bias", it appears the way it does because I've attached a double hook to the wall, which cradles the wrist strap of the targe and keeps it on the wall. Too bad the maker didn't "square things up" a bit, but I'll just have to deal with it (which is very difficult for me!).

[bdkilted]

I see what you mean about the bias. It would bother me too, but the over all look is quite striking.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Put a small loop on the back of your targe where you want "12 o'clock" to be and re hang it. Now you need to place your arms, or at least your clan badge, above the shield, and then fill in the sides and below the shield with even more "stuff".

[ShaunMaxwell]

I tied a length of cord between the forearm and wrist straps, shortened it a bit, looped it over the double hook and was able to rotate it a bit to greatly improve the look.

And thanks MOR, I'll add to the wall bit by bit.

[EagleJCS]

There ya go! Looks great.