Basket hilted sword for comments

[fernando]

Guys, this sword doesn't come off my mind. It belongs to a national fellow collector whom, under certain conditions (read price), wouldn't mind selling it.
However, before i dive into such waters, i would like to know something about it, whether possible. Age would be a vital detail.
This is the only picture i have; a bit trimmed beween the hilt and the blade ricasso, as i have erased its wall hanging hook, which would cause some confusion.
I would be much obliged for some help on this one.


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[mariusgmioc]

Hello Fernando,

There is very little to see from the photo, much too little, but the style of the hilt makes me think of an early 18th century Scottish backsword, probably with a German blade. :shrug:

PS: You may find this link interesting:

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?116165-Basket-Hilts

[fernando]

Thank you for your comments, Marius.
I am pondering on requesting further pictures of this sword; not certain if he is on the mood and would neither like to show him much enthusiasm (read price increase).

... and thank you for the link.
Although Cathey has previously started an extensive thread on the subject in this forum, posting members are not the same and so examples posted differ; to the point that i seem to discern an example there with a similar guard pattern. Unless period smiths used to copy eachother's patterns, it appears that the sword i have posted was made by the same smith, which means i would have a smith ID ... and a date. The blade is rather different though.

LINK (http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?116165-Basket-Hilts&p=1211463#post1211463) by courtesy bob erlandson.

[mariusgmioc]

Unless period smiths used to copy eachother's patterns, it appears that the sword i have posted was made by the same smith, which means i would have a smith ID ... and a date.

Yes, it seems to be if not by the same smith, most certainly from the same centre of influence and of the same period.
:)

[E.B. Erickson]

From what little can be seen, that basket could either be Scottish or English. I think that the blade is English military, as it has the typical narrow and wide fullering.

Hopefully more photos will be forthcoming.

--ElJay

[fernando]

Thank you ElJay.
Yes, hopefully more pictures ... if i convince the owner to cooperate.

[Will M]

I've seen this type of fullering on cavalry swords circ. 1780's-1790's

[fernando]

Noted, Will.