Thank you Keith! It would seem we are peas in a pod!
garrulous, I had not heard that one...but add it to my resume'
Your work on the Shotley mysteries is to me, almost legendary! and your tenacity prevails.....your quest never stops.
It would be great to include the Shotley factor into the Scottish swords discussed here, as we know that these blades indeed entered into that sphere.
Norman, found something more on the 'S' element:
From George Nuemann ("Swords and Blades of the American Revolution", 1973, p.140, 236.S):
one variation of Glasgow hilt using reversed S in place of side plates seems to have been innovated by John Allen in 1700-1707 period.
This reference, for those reading, is one of the absolutely best. most comprehensive references for virtually most European swords forms of late 17th through 18th century. Mr. Neumanns astounding knowledge is added to each photographed example and with text that reads like footnotes, loaded with details one would spend searching for in the standard literature. He adds concise details pertinent to each weapon, instantly answering the questions one would ask if just seeing the weapon.
I once had the honor of talking with him years ago, and the over an hour or more went by in seconds, as the exchange was remarkable! It was easy to see how he wrote this!!!