English Basket Hilt

Jim McDougall · 6th November 2021, 07:03 PM

Absolutely, we need to see the entire sword. Blades were used in many cases almost randomly in many forms of hilts so identifying markings etc on blades., context is important.

The reference to 'Irish' hilt is interesting as this was a term used collectively for basket hilt swords in Great Britain until early 18th century, though there were certain forms which were indeed distinctively 'Irish' in some cases.

Wilhelm Tesch was a Solingen maker in early years of 17th century, and one of about four who were related. It appears he lived in an area in the north of Solingen which was part of the Wirsberg (Weyersberg) estate and the Tesch's often incorporated into their signatures (Mann, 1962).

Outstanding early blade and looking forward to the sword overall.

Triarii · 7th November 2021, 08:51 AM

Thanks all.
Here's the whole sword. I've realised that 'zutnomen' is German for 'to be attributed' so the 'zuntomen' is a stamping typo or older spelling.

Interestingly, Wilhelm Tesche the elder was active 1590 to 1625 and the younger from 1640 to 1676.

fernando · 7th November 2021, 10:38 AM

Beautiful

.

Jim McDougall · 7th November 2021, 06:54 PM

The blade appears single edged, is it?

Triarii · 7th November 2021, 08:36 PM

Yes, it's a backsword blade.

Jim McDougall · 8th November 2021, 12:02 AM

That blade type would then place this in the 1620s at earliest into 1640s, as these kinds of backsword blades were prevalent on cavalry swords in that period and well through 18th c. The well known 'mortuary' swords were backswords, and swords worn by British cavalry units were as well.

I have not researched the hilt form, but seems typical of many 'dragoon' forms. The "British' units comprised of course of Scots and Irish used varied forms of basket hilt types, most fashioned in garrison towns by local artisans , some in London by several makers there.

Fascinating area of study (I've been hooked for years!) and VERY nice example!!!

Triarii · 8th November 2021, 11:16 AM

Thanks.

Mid C17th British military history, tactics and equipment are my 'thing' hence the collecting of swords from the period (a move from Georgian ones).

I've found that the basket hilts are more commonly used in the English Civil War in munition and officer quality (eg Lt Gen Massey and Col Hammond portraits) than I thought. One to explore. The long thread on this forum is great.

I have seen the so-called mortuary (and proto mortuary) swords with broadsword blades. I have one, but that's not typical because the blade is likely to be from the early to mid C16th.

7th November 2021, 08:51 AM	#2
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 149	Thanks all. Here's the whole sword. I've realised that 'zutnomen' is German for 'to be attributed' so the 'zuntomen' is a stamping typo or older spelling. Interestingly, Wilhelm Tesche the elder was active 1590 to 1625 and the younger from 1640 to 1676. Attached Images

6th November 2021, 07:03 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,675	Absolutely, we need to see the entire sword. Blades were used in many cases almost randomly in many forms of hilts so identifying markings etc on blades., context is important. The reference to 'Irish' hilt is interesting as this was a term used collectively for basket hilt swords in Great Britain until early 18th century, though there were certain forms which were indeed distinctively 'Irish' in some cases. Wilhelm Tesch was a Solingen maker in early years of 17th century, and one of about four who were related. It appears he lived in an area in the north of Solingen which was part of the Wirsberg (Weyersberg) estate and the Tesch's often incorporated into their signatures (Mann, 1962). Outstanding early blade and looking forward to the sword overall.

7th November 2021, 10:38 AM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Beautiful .

7th November 2021, 06:54 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,675	The blade appears single edged, is it?

7th November 2021, 08:36 PM	#5
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 149	Yes, it's a backsword blade.

8th November 2021, 12:02 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,675	That blade type would then place this in the 1620s at earliest into 1640s, as these kinds of backsword blades were prevalent on cavalry swords in that period and well through 18th c. The well known 'mortuary' swords were backswords, and swords worn by British cavalry units were as well. I have not researched the hilt form, but seems typical of many 'dragoon' forms. The "British' units comprised of course of Scots and Irish used varied forms of basket hilt types, most fashioned in garrison towns by local artisans , some in London by several makers there. Fascinating area of study (I've been hooked for years!) and VERY nice example!!!

8th November 2021, 11:16 AM	#7
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 149	Thanks. Mid C17th British military history, tactics and equipment are my 'thing' hence the collecting of swords from the period (a move from Georgian ones). I've found that the basket hilts are more commonly used in the English Civil War in munition and officer quality (eg Lt Gen Massey and Col Hammond portraits) than I thought. One to explore. The long thread on this forum is great. I have seen the so-called mortuary (and proto mortuary) swords with broadsword blades. I have one, but that's not typical because the blade is likely to be from the early to mid C16th.