The design of swords evolved through the Dark to Middle ages. As the Celtic and Pictish influences diminished, Scottish weapons makers adopted similar practices to the English and Europeans. Sword blades were made of high quality iron and steel and the sword was widely adopted as the personal weapon of both rich and poor.

This sword from the 13th century shows that quillions were becoming longer, though the hilt is secured with a wheel pommel which had been popular for centuries. The tapered quillion is well balanced as well as elegant and the diamond cross section of the blade provided a better balance. This simple design has a tapered handle wrapped in braided cord.

Approx. Period: 1250 AD