Pic: Propstore
Beverley Lyons
MEL Gibsons’s performance as William Wallace in iconic Scots film Braveheart would not have been the same without his trusty Claymore and now those with deep pockets have the chance to own one of the movie world’s most famed weapons.
As legendary as Luke Skywalker’s original Star Wars light sabre, and arguably as important on screen as the protagonist himself, the signature Claymore was designed by noted armorer Simon Atherton and constructed with Del Tin blades based on real-world medieval-era Scottish broadswords.
It is now going on sale in auction from March 12 with a predicted price of between $60,000 - 120,000.
The sword’s metal handle is said to be the only ‘screen match’ to that used by Gibson in the Award winning medieval biopic which first reached our cinemas on May 24 1995.
As the real Wallace was believed by some scholars to have wielded a customised sword of his own design, Atherton's version is similarly distinguished by personalised, yet historically accurate, detailing on its pommel and grip.
The Claymore is not perfect - as you would expect from one used in the movie which was best picture winner in 1996.
The blade has been restored but the nicks and production distressing on this sword's pommel screen-match to when Wallace thrust his sword into the ground during the Battle of Falkirk.
Images from the fan-favourite moment later inspired the film's promotional campaign.
The handle features a distinctive cruciform crossguard, a matching scalloped pommel, and a brown leather ricasso and grip.
According to auctioneers at Propstore, at an indeterminable time, the sword's original blade was removed just below the leather-wrapped ricasso, possibly for a specific effects shot.
The sword has been restored to its original appearance by welding a replica metal blade to the ricasso. The replica blade was created from the exact dimensions of another production-used Wallace sword.
The sword was intentionally distressed by production with nicks in the guard and pommel and discoloration to the ricasso to appear well-used in battle. It also exhibits some tearing from use.
Propstore COO, Brandon Alinger added: “What makes this such a great piece is that we are able to match the sword to a specific scene in the movie. The handle and all leatherwork is original and screen matches to Willaim Wallace thrusting the sword into the ground during an epic battle scene. It was that scene that inspired the film’s entire promotional campaign – so this one prop has multiple reasons to be prized and valued.”
The Claymore is not the only prized piece from the film that is up for grabs.
The double bladed buckler used by Scots actor David O’Hara’s as Stephen of Ireland in the film is also for sale at a lesser estimate of $2,000 - 4,000.
Stephen wielded his signature buckler against the English as he battled alongside William Wallace.
Constructed from metal and wood wrapped in red leatherette with solid metal blades extending from either side to create the double-bladed effect, the leatherette is studded with metal and a piece of tape across the front is hand-marked "Stephen."
The weapon is intentionally distressed by production to give it a battle-worn appearance with nicks and grime applied to the metal. The buckler exhibits some discolouration from age and the blade was dulled by production.
Stewart's (Donal Gibson) bloodied stunt Battle of Stirling Bridge dagger which was used to slit the throats of English soldiers while fighting alongside William Wallace l in the Battle of Stirling Bridge is also for sale.
The rubber stunt dagger is hand-painted silver and brown to resemble metal and wood, blood-stained, and erroneously labeled "MacGregor Stirling" on a piece of tape wrapped around the handle. It exhibits flaking paint and exposed rubber from production use and age and is estimated to sell for between $1,000 - 2,000.
Those who also want to spend more on something less aggressive can get a vital piece from the historic wedding scene between William Wallace and Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack).
Pic: Propstore
Pic: Propstore
William and Murron wrapped a wedding tartan around their hands when the priest (Robert Paterson) wed them in secret.
The red, black, and green wool tartan features a sewn straw "W and "M" for William and Murron alongside a flower-patterned arabesque design sewn with straw.
The tartan exhibits intentionally frayed edges and loose thread from production use and is expected to sell for between $12,000 - 24,000.
Widely considered one of the greatest war epics of all time, Braveheart received 10 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.
The film also generated a great deal of tourism for Scotland and piqued interest in Scottish history, including into the real lives of Wallace and MacClannough.
The red, black, and green wool tartan features a sewn straw "W and "M" for William and Murron alongside a flower-patterned arabesque design sewn with straw.
The tartan exhibits intentionally frayed edges and loose thread from production use and is expected to sell for between $12,000 - 24,000.
Widely considered one of the greatest war epics of all time, Braveheart received 10 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.
The film also generated a great deal of tourism for Scotland and piqued interest in Scottish history, including into the real lives of Wallace and MacClannough.
