Quote:
Originally Posted by katana
Trying to find the significance of the 5 balled knuckleguard .....I found on Wiki (  ) that this design feature ...." popularity lasted from 1790 to until about 1820 when it was no longer produced " If true it helps date this sword.
I also read that this ball feature is more common on Infantry swords.........stylised musket balls ??
Kind Regards David
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http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10330
I prefer beaded as a terminology and more apt for a lot of hilts. It might make more sense to continue that old thread than add it to this one but here are some more cause to pause. They are not just found on infantry swords but the spadroons probably most recognized. Artillery, naval examples as well. I have pretty much summed up my thoughts there but would point out that Wiki articles are really no more than a start and much more information can be found in dealer listings as well as books.
Musket balls you say

A hilt that has just two and one with more of the stylings. The other French sabre I posted is also beaded, imo.
Someone that could produce the first use of the term five ball might warrant a
meritorious certificate of rightness
Cheers
GC