LONDON - One of Scotland's national treasures, the 5-foot sword wielded by William Wallace, the rebel leader portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart," left its homeland for the first time in more than 700 years Wednesday.




The double-handed weapon that belonged to Wallace will be the centerpiece of an exhibition at New York's Grand Central Station during Tartan Day celebrations, which begin later this week.


This year marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Wallace, who led the Scots in their battle to free themselves from English rule and whose story was brought to the screen by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film "Braveheart." The film won five Academy Awards.


"This is an historic moment. It is the first time in 700 years that a relic of this importance has left these shores," said Colin O'Brien, a Scottish official accompanying the sword to the United States.


The 6-pound weapon will be returned to its home at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, after the celebrations.


Wallace's sword was kept at Dumbarton Castle for 600 years. King James IV is said to have paid for it to be given a new hilt in 1505.

okay ... how can a 5 foot double handed sword only weight 6 lbs ?

is a scottish pond different then american ?



foot edit
[Edited 3/30/05 17:02pm]

Mach said:

yes, scottish ponds have monsters in them

a photo

http://story.news.yahoo.c...0503301045

Mach said:

http://www.forteantimes.c...chness.jpg

noonblueapples said:

LMAO... freak ...i am serious here

only 6 lbs ???

okay okay ....


The weapon itself weighs in at around six pounds (2.72 kg) and is a reminder that, today, we barely know about the art of swordmaking. Most would guess the weight of a weapon this size at closer to ten pounds, and since this is not a quality weapon it could weigh considerably less if it had been crafted by a master swordmaker. The blade has no fuller, which was not typical of weapons of the time, and slowly tapers down its entire length almost to the point. The handle of the sword has a pommel of iron, and the grip is padded in brown leather.

i know Tisse... i was taken aback by them bringing it here ...i was like NO WAY dont do THAT

Mach said:

Yeah, cause there aren't enough weapons already in NYC.

i dunno ... i was just like WTF please leave that in its homeland...

i dont agree with bringing it over here

but whateva

Mach said:

Don't fret :

"The 6-pound weapon will be returned to its home at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, after the celebrations".

Whether it actually makes it back or not is another matter...

AsylumUtopia said:

no one would be stupid enough to heist that.. then again....

AsylumUtopia said:

TheRealFiness said:

ahhh lawd the karma... the karma

Mach said:

lol no shit