A scarce and early 17th century English Basket Hilted Sword of “Irish” Type

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Price: £3,700

Ref: 62040765

Item Description

A functional and robust English basket hilted sword dating to the early 17th century mounted with a broad tapering double-edged blade. From the end of the 16th century the basket hilted sword became a permanent feature of the English armoury. It evolved in the Gaelic speaking regions of Britain in Ireland and in the Scottish Highlands. The Gaelic language of these regions was known as “Irish” at the time. English armourers copied and developed their own variant of the hilt type which they referred to as “Irische” (Irish) hilts to differentiate them from other English swords. This example is in unusually fine and original condition.

The sword is an early English example of the “Irish” hilt which was used by infantry alongside other English sword types of the time. It dates to the reign of James I of England & VI of Scotland and the early British colonial era in North America. It is in fine complete condition with an even blackened patina.

The basket guard is formed from strong rounded structural bars. A knuckle bow curves upwards to the pommel from the front quillon and two side guard bars are forged onto the cross guard which curve  upwards in the same manner. The frontal loop guard bars are forged onto the side guards and curve upwardly forward to join the base of the knuckle bow at the front quillon.

In the spaces between the knuckle bow and side guard bars, two saltire bars are attached, with small diamond shaped guard plates forged into the middle areas. These show the remains of engraved decoration in the form clusters of crescents forming floral shapes. At the back, two rear guard bars curve upwards from the rear quillon and join the side guard bars at the top near the pommel.  Merlons connect the rear guard bars and the side guard bars on each side at the base to complete and strengthen the hilt structure.

The large globular pommel has an integral raised button on top from which incised lines radiate at an angle. The cylindrical wooden grip is covered with its original leather binding.

The lenticular section blade is 31.5 inches long ( 80 cm). It has a pronounced ricasso 1.75 inches long (4.5 cm) and a broad shallow central fuller which extends from the hilt for 6 inches (just over 15 cm)  with a series of worn stamped pairs of crosses inside and the remains of incised border lines near the hilt. Just beyond the end of the fuller a stylised cross resembling an anchor is stamped on each side. Further along on one side is a boldly cut running wolf mark, and an orb and cross mark on the other, both inlaid with copper, now with minor losses. The overall length of the sword is 37 inches (94 cm).

For further examples of the Irish hilted sword type see “British Military swords 1600 to 1660”, Stuart C Mowbray, Mowbray Publishers, 2013, pages 110 to 126.