The Sword of John Hampden(?)

Interested Party · 16th August 2024, 12:17 AM

The swords description says "This sword, with its superbly sculptural hilt, was once thought to be the work of the Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. As with the 'Cellini Shield', the tradition was refuted when historic arms and armour came under more serious scrutiny in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. " They also say that John Hampton's ownership is "tradition". This seems to cast some doubt on its providence before the late 18th century.

Cellini was an amazingly talented renaissance man. Artist, warrior, engineer. Caught up in the politics of his time. His Autobiography is a fascinating work, although I am sure he put himself in a very flattering light. He produced a salt cellar that I thought was amazing as well as his escape from prison. To me I can see why it was said to be his work stylistically.

It is a pity that one can't quite make out the makers mark or that there isn't a picture of the whole sword.

16th August 2024, 12:17 AM	#2
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 436	The swords description says "This sword, with its superbly sculptural hilt, was once thought to be the work of the Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. As with the 'Cellini Shield', the tradition was refuted when historic arms and armour came under more serious scrutiny in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. " They also say that John Hampton's ownership is "tradition". This seems to cast some doubt on its providence before the late 18th century. Cellini was an amazingly talented renaissance man. Artist, warrior, engineer. Caught up in the politics of his time. His Autobiography is a fascinating work, although I am sure he put himself in a very flattering light. He produced a salt cellar that I thought was amazing as well as his escape from prison. To me I can see why it was said to be his work stylistically. It is a pity that one can't quite make out the makers mark or that there isn't a picture of the whole sword.