A Hand and a Half

Ed · 11th August 2025, 01:40 PM

Sorry for the delay, we are moving/starting a company and generally at sea.

Usually I am more responsive

.

I bought this at Christie's at their 12/12/97 auction. Sadly the catalog is in a box somewhere. Eventually I will post the listing.

This was the same auction from which I obtained the Oakeshott sword which has been posted here.

I think that this hilt would properly be called "writhen":

writh·en

2.
(of antique glass or silver) having spirally twisted ornamentation.

I had always thought that this sword was "untouched" and that it was as it was during it's working life, even down to the leather. I wonder if one did a careful examination if one would find traces of blood? I think that is likely.

This is a favorite because I think that it is an object that was actually used by some ordinary guy, not a lord, just a bloke so to speak. My ancestors, of course, would have been running around with their bill hooks and ground scratching implements.

I have a breast and backplate that hold a similar attraction. Munition armor they call it.

Anyway, apologies for not responding sooner but to quote Waugh "to know all is to forgive all" (or words to that effect).

11th August 2025, 01:40 PM	#8
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 270	Sorry for the delay, we are moving/starting a company and generally at sea. Usually I am more responsive . I bought this at Christie's at their 12/12/97 auction. Sadly the catalog is in a box somewhere. Eventually I will post the listing. This was the same auction from which I obtained the Oakeshott sword which has been posted here. I think that this hilt would properly be called "writhen": writh·en 2. (of antique glass or silver) having spirally twisted ornamentation. I had always thought that this sword was "untouched" and that it was as it was during it's working life, even down to the leather. I wonder if one did a careful examination if one would find traces of blood? I think that is likely. This is a favorite because I think that it is an object that was actually used by some ordinary guy, not a lord, just a bloke so to speak. My ancestors, of course, would have been running around with their bill hooks and ground scratching implements. I have a breast and backplate that hold a similar attraction. Munition armor they call it. Anyway, apologies for not responding sooner but to quote Waugh "to know all is to forgive all" (or words to that effect). Attached Images