Hounslow Hilt

Jim McDougall · 3rd November 2023, 10:06 PM

So Triarii, there is someone else out there with this rare affliction!
Over the years it seems I have seen other 'turcael' but the one in Royal Armouries stands as the most readily accessible. Its like the fabled Scottish claymore (the real two handers), it is yet unclear how many of the genuine article survive, offhand it seems only about 6 or so. These things seem often to remain in obscurity often in clan holdings.

The hunting swords were indeed hangers/cuttoes which paralleled the munitions grade examples for military use. The general design as noted in the 'hirschfanger' did of course remain traditionally in place into 20th century.
These early hangers in Hounslow were of course used as 'hunting swords' however many references note these as intended for maritime use. While the serrated back was useful in the hunt for field dressing, at sea, these short, stout blades with that feature served well in clearing decks of rope etc.
While having these utilitarian intents, it is important to note that 'the hunt' was an event of the gentry and those of station. Naval officers also were inclined to have notable standing in the gentry.

The 'Hounslow school' or style did carry well through the 17th century even after the demise of that compound by just after mid century, and somewhat traditionally into the 18th.

Sure would like to see your examples!

Triarii · 4th November 2023, 06:13 PM

I think we're agreeing that for land and sea service they were initially gentry swords - hence only being seen in more ornate versions in the mid C17th before evolving into more munition quality for sea service. They continue through the late C17th but the pommel style changes and the blades get narrower.

Here are mine:

4th November 2023, 06:13 PM	#2
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 149	I think we're agreeing that for land and sea service they were initially gentry swords - hence only being seen in more ornate versions in the mid C17th before evolving into more munition quality for sea service. They continue through the late C17th but the pommel style changes and the blades get narrower. Here are mine: Attached Images

3rd November 2023, 10:06 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,672	So Triarii, there is someone else out there with this rare affliction! Over the years it seems I have seen other 'turcael' but the one in Royal Armouries stands as the most readily accessible. Its like the fabled Scottish claymore (the real two handers), it is yet unclear how many of the genuine article survive, offhand it seems only about 6 or so. These things seem often to remain in obscurity often in clan holdings. The hunting swords were indeed hangers/cuttoes which paralleled the munitions grade examples for military use. The general design as noted in the 'hirschfanger' did of course remain traditionally in place into 20th century. These early hangers in Hounslow were of course used as 'hunting swords' however many references note these as intended for maritime use. While the serrated back was useful in the hunt for field dressing, at sea, these short, stout blades with that feature served well in clearing decks of rope etc. While having these utilitarian intents, it is important to note that 'the hunt' was an event of the gentry and those of station. Naval officers also were inclined to have notable standing in the gentry. The 'Hounslow school' or style did carry well through the 17th century even after the demise of that compound by just after mid century, and somewhat traditionally into the 18th. Sure would like to see your examples!