Swords into ploughshares....

You know the feeling when you go on the prowl camera in hand looking for anything to complete the day? It was a bit like that. There had been some requests to blip #2 daughter recently returned - and I will - but she hasn't been to hand all day.

And then I came across the sword. This was given to me 40 years ago by my late father-in-law. He had held a commission at one point - but this I am positive was not his sword, but one that he just picked up somewhere - probably an auction. Not that he would ever have suggested that it was what it wasn't! But he was a bit of a mover and a shaker in the minor Edinburgh establishment. There is strong evidence that he seems to have bought the family home across the bar at the Royal Scots Club! :-) But that seemed to work out just fine anyway.

This sword was manufactured by Hawkes & Co, who were in business in London from 1853-1890 - so it is pretty precisely dated.

They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4 Isaiah is read a lot, and referenced a lot, in carols and carol services at this time of year.

It seems to me like the very best of aspirations! - nor will they train for war anymore! Yes, please!