A Hand and a Half

Ed · 25th July 2025, 10:41 PM

Bought this at auction some time ago. I am not sure if I posted it but if so, apologies.

This might be my favorite "thing". It is real, it is not a gold inlaid cutsie thing, this was a working sword of a well off soldier.

Note the Andrea Ferra mark on both side. Also there is a mark on the ricosso which, I am embarrassed to say, I just noticed. An eagle maybe?? Thoughts appreciated.

Lee · 26th July 2025, 10:25 PM

I can surely see why this would be a favorite! 16th century? Would this be classified as a writhen hilt?

Hotspur · 28th July 2025, 02:07 AM

The counterguard is exquisite work!

I'm generally not allowed nice things but seeing them and learning is the next best thing.

Cheers
GC

Jim McDougall · 30th July 2025, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

I can surely see why this would be a favorite! 16th century? Would this be classified as a writhen hilt?

Thats a good question Lee, I have trouble with all these fancy terms. I would think writhen is a tighter 'weave', kinda like my shoelaces

but its hard to say. This looks more like some sort of blossom?

ulfberth · 2nd August 2025, 10:14 AM

This is one of the nicest swords posted in a long time !
Its south German or Northern Italy around 1550 - 1560 , the blade type is the typical type found in this guard , its the first Andrea Ferara 1530 - 1586.
Could you post a picture of the back of the guard and a clear picture of the ricasso ? is the ricasso flat in the middle or has it two shallow fullers ?

ulfberth · 2nd August 2025, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ulfberth

This is one of the nicest swords posted in a long time !
Its south German or Northern Italy around 1550 - 1560 , the blade type is the typical type found in this guard , its the first Andrea Ferara 1530 - 1586.
Could you post a picture of the back of the guard and a clear picture of the ricasso ? is the ricasso flat in the middle or has it two shallow fullers ?

I have seen an almost identical blade in a similar hand hand a half sword in a verry old collection.

ulfberth · 8th August 2025, 04:37 PM

Hi Ed , im still hoping you can post pictures of the other side of that exeptional sword, thanks in advance !

25th July 2025, 10:41 PM	#1
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 284	A Hand and a Half Bought this at auction some time ago. I am not sure if I posted it but if so, apologies. This might be my favorite "thing". It is real, it is not a gold inlaid cutsie thing, this was a working sword of a well off soldier. Note the Andrea Ferra mark on both side. Also there is a mark on the ricosso which, I am embarrassed to say, I just noticed. An eagle maybe?? Thoughts appreciated. Attached Images

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26th July 2025, 10:25 PM	#2
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 967	I can surely see why this would be a favorite! 16th century? Would this be classified as a writhen hilt?

28th July 2025, 02:07 AM	#3
Hotspur Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nipmuc USA Posts: 535	The counterguard is exquisite work! I'm generally not allowed nice things but seeing them and learning is the next best thing. Cheers GC

2nd August 2025, 10:14 AM	#5
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 439	This is one of the nicest swords posted in a long time ! Its south German or Northern Italy around 1550 - 1560 , the blade type is the typical type found in this guard , its the first Andrea Ferara 1530 - 1586. Could you post a picture of the back of the guard and a clear picture of the ricasso ? is the ricasso flat in the middle or has it two shallow fullers ?

8th August 2025, 04:37 PM	#7
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 439	Hi Ed , im still hoping you can post pictures of the other side of that exeptional sword, thanks in advance !