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A Composite English Basket-Hilted Broadsword, An English 'Mortuary' Backsword, And A Swept-Hilt Rapier

THE FIRST CIRCA 1625-50, THE SECOND PARTLY MID-17TH CENTURY, THE LAST IN 17TH CENTURY STYLE, WITH EARLIER BLADE

Details

A Composite English Basket-Hilted Broadsword, An English 'Mortuary' Backsword, And A Swept-Hilt Rapier
The first circa 1625-50, the second partly mid-17th Century, the last in 17th Century style, with earlier blade
The first with straight double-edged blade with central fuller on each face of the forte inscribed '...Solingen', iron hilt with 'Irish' guard (loose) of slender bars comprising a hemispherical basket centring on a knuckle-guard between two saltires, each with a small central plate, two loop-shaped fore-guards, and later vertically-gadrooned urn-shaped pommel; the second with later single-edged fullered blade, iron hilt comprising broad guard decorated in low relief with two masks and scrolling foliage, slender bars, and later pommel and cloth-covered wooden grip (some decoration refreshed); the last with tapering double-edged blade, iron hilt comprising symmetrical guard of slender bars with triple side-rings on each side each incorporating a pierced convex shell (knuckle-guard finial missing), plummet-shaped pommel, and cloth-covered grip (each with some discolouration and minor pitting)
33in. (83.8cm.) to 35½in. (90.2cm.) blades (3)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The guard and probably the blade of the first sword are from a typical 'Irish hilted' sword of the type used during the first half of the 17th Century. See C. Blair, 'The Early Basket-Hilt in Britain', in D.H. Caldwell (ed.), Scottish Weapons & Fortifications 1100-1800, 1981, pp. 165-6, and figs. 72-75

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