Wearing a basket hilt.?.

**Laird MacLean** · 31st January 11, 12:45 PM

I have a regimental style brass basket hilt broadsword, with the steel scabbard. I have also the Regimental Cross belt for my Pipers Uniform. But how do you put them together? The sword scabbard does not fit the built in frog on the cross belt, and has those 2 metal rings.. Is their some sort of latigo belt or something I am suppose to have? Please help... Pictures would be great....
L. Rob MacLean

**madmacs** · 31st January 11, 04:29 PM

This help?

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...re-wear-58484/

**Matt Richards** · 31st January 11, 05:13 PM

What Price Glory used to have leather scabbards for using wearing the Scottish officer's sword with the frog on the Sam Browne belt, but they've been sold out for a long time now.

**ohiopiper** · 8th February 11, 12:39 AM

If the scabbard has rings, it is likely meant to wear with a hanger, not a frog.

The front strap of the hanger goes on the top ring of the scabbard, the back strap goes on the lower ring and is adjustable to whatever angle is regulation or fashionable. I prefer an angle that steers clear of my ankles. There was an embarassing moment at a retirement ceremony...

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 8th February 11, 08:17 AM

Unless one is in a band I can't imagine why anyone would want to wear a sword with civilian Highland attire. But, to each his own...

In direct answer to your question, a baldric (cross belt) is intended to support a sword which has a long hook (or sometimes a stud) just below the mouth of the scabbard. Scabbards with suspension rings (such as yours) are not intended to be worn from a baldric, but rather, as Ohio Piper has stated, attached to straps (hangers).

When I was at Wilkinson Sword we would, upon request, supply a Scottish broadsword with three scabbards; one covered in leather to be worn with a Sam Browne belt, one in nickle with rings, and one in nickle with a stud (as used on the Sam Browne scabbards) to allow the sword to be worn suspended from a baldric.

The only way your scabbard will work with your baldric is by modifying either the scabbard or the baldric.

**EldarKinSlayer** · 8th February 11, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Unless one is in a band I can't imagine why anyone would want to wear a sword with civilian Highland attire.
*snip*

This makes me

**AFS1970** · 8th February 11, 01:18 PM

I have a similar basket hilt. I primarily wore it when I was with the Color Guard of the Saint Andrew's Society. Over the years I have had three ways to wear it.

First was a generic frog that I got from Museum Replicas, it was very generic and held the sword at a straight vertical along my leg. Not bad for standing, OK for marching, terrible for sitting down. Overall not a good choice.

Second was a cross belt, but not as fancy as the ones often worn with highland dress. It ended up being a bit too wide to wear comfortably but it was adjustable and the scabbard fit nicely. It kept it at a decent angle for most uses. The plain look of it ended up not being fancy enough for formal wear and not being simple enough for informal wear. I only take this out occasionally for Ren Faires, usually with a different sword.

Third, was by far my favorite. Sadly I got it from a vendor at a Ren Faire that I do not remember. I know they sold wooden swords for kids and nice leather stuff. I think it was the same vendor I got the belt from. Anyway this piece is the frog part of a cross belt, adjustable to fit any sword. However it includes two belt loops (wide enough for a kilt belt) one of which has a long strap to make the sword hang at the correct angle. Essentially it is a sword holster. This is small enough to not really be noticed, and unobtrusive enough to fit with almost any look.

As an aside, when I first joined the Saint Andrews Society there was one gentleman who was probably the most helpful in outfitting new members in highland attire. He always wore a sword when he was in formal wear, I know he did not wear a cross belt with a dinner jacket, but I do not know what else he used.

**JSFMACLJR** · 8th February 11, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by AFS1970

As an aside, when I first joined the Saint Andrews Society there was one gentleman who was probably the most helpful in outfitting new members in highland attire. He always wore a sword when he was in formal wear, I know he did not wear a cross belt with a dinner jacket, but I do not know what else he used.

Really? Really? Why on earth would somebody wear a sword unless one were in uniform and the regs required it? Ridiculous. I hope this man didn't outfit too many members of the club in Highland dress. Sheesh!

**EldarKinSlayer** · 8th February 11, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

Really? Really? Why on earth would somebody wear a sword unless one were in uniform and the regs required it? Ridiculous. I hope this man didn't outfit too many members of the club in Highland dress. Sheesh!

This makes me