Black Highland Broad Sword
 

I've got some years ago this sword which has a blackened hilt and blade. Does anybody know what was the reason for this?

Black Watch? :D (Just kidding, couldn't resist, da debble made me do it.)

Might be for corrosion resistance.

:D

From the images it looks like it was painted over the rust. So I am with Kronckew - maybe a later corrision resistance.

People will paint anything if it's rusty so it will display better in their view.
Luckily they did not go at it with power tools and coarse sandpaper that leaves deep scratches/gouges.

Years ago I read in Wallace's Scottish Swords and Daggers that most Highland hilts were originally made with an applied finish -- russeting (akin to the browning used on contemporaneous firearms) or "japanning" (a type of black lacquer-like paint). The author states that during the Victorian era, a lot of swords were aggressively cleaned to make a bright finish that was preferred for decorative purposes. (likely that by then, the older swords had seen enough wear, tear, and exposure to the elephants as to make their owners think that a good cleaning was warranted anyway).

Phil, the Scots were rather fond of cleaving Sassenach elephants in twain.

OK Philip!!I was right with ya with Wallace, the japanning etc.......but what the!!? elephant exposure????
Something my Highland ancestors did not leave to me in their memoirs? :)

Maybe there were no elephants inhabiting their clan turf. :shrug:

Hmm, Hannibal paying a visit to Scotland, eh? :D

People who have gone into harms way, combat, are occasionally said to have 'seen the elephant'.