Twysden Baskethilt
 

Hi All,

I thought I would post this one here as some of you may be interested. This is a Twysden-style English baskethilted back sword. The total length is 47" with a blade length of 37". There is some shallow engraving but unfortunately most of it is lost to corrosion. I welcome all comments good and bad.
(I have also posted it at myarmoury http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=9062 ).

Thanks.
Jeff

Interesting piece, very reminscent of the style that would become known as the Scottish Claymore, though the basket hilt has not become as stylized yet. Do you have an approximate date assigned to it yet?

Hi FenrisWolf,

It is very hard to date these pieces (at least for me). I suspect it is mid to late 17th century. The early Twysden's had more globular pommels and often the guards were screwed to the hilt (see below). However this one has many features associated with the early hilts such as the more robust bars, and the angled hand guard. The blade hasn't revealed any clues to me. This style can be seen in the 17-19th century. There is light etching as seen above and I think there are a couple areas where there might be stamps but I am not sure how to clean out the "pits" with out wrecking the blade (any suggestions).


All the best
Jeff