The Scottish Sword of State

The sword was made in Italy by Domenico da Sutri, and was a present from Pope Julius II to James IV (1507). The sword has a scabbard and a belt. It is documented that after 1446 the popes presented consecrated swords (of the two-handed or broadsword type) to princes who had rendered outstanding services. A total of 12 of these ceremonial swords was presented during the 16th century. In 1509 Vladislaus II of Hungary and Bohemia received a sword of this kind. Its appearance is almost identical to the Scottish one.

The large round pommel in the Renaissance style and the handle are silver-gilt work and richly decorated with acorns and oak leaves, which symbolize the resurrection of Christ. The hilt is in the shape of two small dolphins (symbol of the Church of Christ) that look in the direction of the handle. Their tail fins are also decorated with acorns and oak leaves. On the front and back, and between the dolphins' heads, there is a large leaf that extends over the scabbard.

(Rebecca Jähner, M.A., translated by Hugh Langridge M.A.)