A SCARCE LATE 18TH CENTURY BASKET HILTED BACKSWORD OF THE GARDE ECOSSAISE, 96.5cm double fullered and double edged blade, characteristic sheet metal hilt pierced with foliate forms, crosses and stars, the underside decorated with two opposing snakes, reeded dome pommel, wire bound grip. This sword forms part of a group of very similar swords, all sharing similar hilts and pommels but with a variety of blade lengths and designs and all associated with the Garde Ecossaise - designed for the close protection of the King of France and composed exclusively of Scottish soldiers.