A Hand and a Half

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 !

Ed · 11th August 2025, 01:40 PM

Sorry for the delay, we are moving/starting a company and generally at sea.

Usually I am more responsive

.

I bought this at Christie's at their 12/12/97 auction. Sadly the catalog is in a box somewhere. Eventually I will post the listing.

This was the same auction from which I obtained the Oakeshott sword which has been posted here.

I think that this hilt would properly be called "writhen":

writh·en

2.
(of antique glass or silver) having spirally twisted ornamentation.

I had always thought that this sword was "untouched" and that it was as it was during it's working life, even down to the leather. I wonder if one did a careful examination if one would find traces of blood? I think that is likely.

This is a favorite because I think that it is an object that was actually used by some ordinary guy, not a lord, just a bloke so to speak. My ancestors, of course, would have been running around with their bill hooks and ground scratching implements.

I have a breast and backplate that hold a similar attraction. Munition armor they call it.

Anyway, apologies for not responding sooner but to quote Waugh "to know all is to forgive all" (or words to that effect).

Ed · 11th August 2025, 01:49 PM

And what is that bloody mark?

It is reminiscent of the eagle proof on german firearms.

11th August 2025, 01:40 PM	#7
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 284	Sorry for the delay, we are moving/starting a company and generally at sea. Usually I am more responsive . I bought this at Christie's at their 12/12/97 auction. Sadly the catalog is in a box somewhere. Eventually I will post the listing. This was the same auction from which I obtained the Oakeshott sword which has been posted here. I think that this hilt would properly be called "writhen": writh·en 2. (of antique glass or silver) having spirally twisted ornamentation. I had always thought that this sword was "untouched" and that it was as it was during it's working life, even down to the leather. I wonder if one did a careful examination if one would find traces of blood? I think that is likely. This is a favorite because I think that it is an object that was actually used by some ordinary guy, not a lord, just a bloke so to speak. My ancestors, of course, would have been running around with their bill hooks and ground scratching implements. I have a breast and backplate that hold a similar attraction. Munition armor they call it. Anyway, apologies for not responding sooner but to quote Waugh "to know all is to forgive all" (or words to that effect). Attached Images

11th August 2025, 01:49 PM	#8
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 284	And what is that bloody mark? It is reminiscent of the eagle proof on german firearms. Attached Images

26th July 2025, 10:25 PM	#1
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	#2
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	#4
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	#6
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 !