My "new" cup hilt sword for your kind comments

Jim McDougall · 8th July 2020, 07:46 PM

Excellent images and another interesting example Fernando. I think you are on the right track presuming these swords with the 'Patriarchal' cross and the regal motto 'Viva Portugal' seeming to represent a collective grouping of swords with similar motif being from some group or unit of guard forces perhaps.

The cross has brought up some great discussion, and while the Caravaca Cross as previously noted has apocryphal legend attached to it from the 13th c.,
it does seem this commemoration was used in degree talismanically and associated to Knights Templars in the 15th c. With that it seems plausible such application may have steeped into Iberian military orders, and placement on these kinds of blades might have had such imbuement associated.

It would seem as well that your cuphilt (of OP) with a heavy arming blade could have been from perhaps a city guard unit ? and the heavy blade a matter of personal choice. With such a blade, the rapier character seems to be more traditional and almost vestigial. For example the 'rompepuntas' (rolled lip surround on cup) intended ostensibly to catch the fine tip of typical rapier would not serve in that way with heavy striking swords. Still, it may be a construction oriented feature, not sure.
The ricasso of course might still serve to cover finger grip around quillon as known in Italian and Spanish fencing and on other rapiers. With heavy blade it served to steady blade in impact.

The idea that this Patriarchal cross would relate to Orthodox type cross is not the case, as you have previously noted the Russian Orthodox type has the added diagonal bar (suppenaneum) near bottom.
It seems there was a Patriarchal cross WITH crucifix is seen on some examples (the examples of crucifix , Apostolic cross were Pedro Hernandez and H. Cleles associated according to my notes, but possibly others).

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

8th July 2020, 07:46 PM	#22
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Excellent images and another interesting example Fernando. I think you are on the right track presuming these swords with the 'Patriarchal' cross and the regal motto 'Viva Portugal' seeming to represent a collective grouping of swords with similar motif being from some group or unit of guard forces perhaps. The cross has brought up some great discussion, and while the Caravaca Cross as previously noted has apocryphal legend attached to it from the 13th c., it does seem this commemoration was used in degree talismanically and associated to Knights Templars in the 15th c. With that it seems plausible such application may have steeped into Iberian military orders, and placement on these kinds of blades might have had such imbuement associated. It would seem as well that your cuphilt (of OP) with a heavy arming blade could have been from perhaps a city guard unit ? and the heavy blade a matter of personal choice. With such a blade, the rapier character seems to be more traditional and almost vestigial. For example the 'rompepuntas' (rolled lip surround on cup) intended ostensibly to catch the fine tip of typical rapier would not serve in that way with heavy striking swords. Still, it may be a construction oriented feature, not sure. The ricasso of course might still serve to cover finger grip around quillon as known in Italian and Spanish fencing and on other rapiers. With heavy blade it served to steady blade in impact. The idea that this Patriarchal cross would relate to Orthodox type cross is not the case, as you have previously noted the Russian Orthodox type has the added diagonal bar (suppenaneum) near bottom. It seems there was a Patriarchal cross WITH crucifix is seen on some examples (the examples of crucifix , Apostolic cross were Pedro Hernandez and H. Cleles associated according to my notes, but possibly others).