The Scottish Claymore, used from the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries, is one of the most recognized swords in history. It was the sword of the Highlander.
The design shown on this site to the left is similar to most claymores. The downswept arms were typical - designed to enable the swordsman to disarm his opponenet. Theier average size was 55" long - or roughly up to the chin of a 5'5" woman - and weighed 5.5 lbs. They were not the largest swords of the era, but their design and light weight offered better maneuverability than the larger, heavier swords that German knights carried.
According to John Hume, "They [the Highlanders] always appeared like warriors; as if their arms [weapons] had been limbs and members of their bodies they were never seen without them; they travelled, they attended fairs and markets, nay they went to church with their broadswords and dirks."
(written in 1746 after becoming their prisoner)
The Highlanders carried their claymores carried across their back - it being far too large to hand at your side. The best picture I can find that shows how these were carried is here.
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