[Jim McDougall]

With these pages from Southwick and Bezdek, it seems these records are about the sum of what is known about South. In looking further into the sword we are discussing (OP) the questions remain, if South indeed fashioned this hilt, where did he get the inspiration for the themes?

Why was this hilt presumed Cellini? Did Cellini produce hilts? or was there some other work which might have inspired South to follow this theme?
Next stop, checking 'Boccia & Coelho' to see if any work by him shown there.

Then, WHY the tradition that this sword belonged to Hampden?
It is interesting that he was the cutler to both James I and Charles I.

South was furnishing swords to Parliamerntary forces.

We know South was instrumental in convincing Charles I to begin the German swordsmith enterprise at Hounslow Heath in 1629, as this was South's own home neighborhood. In 1632 he was granted a mark for his blades by the Cutlers Company.

As a cutler, and dealing in blades and mounting, it is curious that South would have been the one who created this delicate art work. Others creating silver hilts etc. were often jewelers and goldsmiths, yet South seems focused on the supply of swords.