Extremely Rare Very Early 17th Century English Broadsword With Silver Encrusted Hilt And Pommel

An Extremely Rare Very Early 17th Century English Broadsword With Silver Encrusted Hilt And Pommel Circa 1600.

The 33 and 1/2 inch blade with short triple fullers struck on each side with six half moon heads in reserves so well detailed that the eyes and hair are in relief. A full two inches at the forte. this is truly a broadsword meant for battle. The masterfully forged basket hilt has four narrow bars and two conjoined bars consisting of eight short bars. Each bar and the two circular sections are encrusted with relief heavy silver throughout their length (some expected wear).

The large bulbous pommel is entirely encrusted with silver decoration depicting blossoms within crosses. Red velvet covered wood grip (heavily worn), The buff leather hilt liner is very old and looks appropriate to the hilt.

Silver encrusted English broadswords of this quality and period are almost unknown in the United States. The last similar sword was sold as part of the late John Hayward’s collection at Sotheby’s in 1983. This very sword is illustrated on page 140 of Leslie Southwick’s Price Guide to Antique Edged Weapons as number 378 sold by Christie’s London. 40 inches overall.

Condition: The blade shows great age but the marks are clear. The silver encrustation on the hilt is mostly intact with expected wear, One bar is fractured and one short bar shows an ancient bronze braise.

This museum quality broadsword would be the centerpiece in any collection of basket hilts or broadswords. Quite likely Queen Elizabeth had only just died when this magnificent sword was forged.