Brass-hilted horseman's sword (pallasch), British (c 1700)

Title	Brass-hilted horseman's sword (pallasch)
Nationality	British
Period	c 1700

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This is one of the earliest of the brass-hilted English cavalry swords of the 18th century. The influence is clearly Dutch, although swords of this type were in use at the latter end of James II's reign (ie pre-1688). These swords can be seen in the famous Marlborough tapestries at Blenheim Palace, where they are the standard weapon.

It has a Passau blade with the running wolf on both sides and is of broadsword construction with a short fuller on each face. There is a mock Spanish inscription in the fullers, typical of German smiths imitating Toledo workmanship. The blade measures 78.5cm, the overall length of the weapon is 95.5cm. The length of the blade is consonant with swords of the period, longer blades coming into fashion towards the middle of the 18th century.

It has its original brass Turk's heads on the grip, but the brass wire has been recently refurbished by that master craftsman, Terry English! The grip is nice and tight and the woodwork was the original, probably beechwood, without any worm.

The blade itself has suffered down the centuries, with the remains of medium pitting throughout to both faces, but has been skilfully hand cleaned and nicely shows the lapweld on the inside face. The brasswork has suffered some bruises to the outside of both shells, but otherwise the whole piece is in excellent shape and, above all, unlike on most of these examples, the bars of the guard have suffered no damage whatsoever. These rather fragile elements are always the first to be damaged on such a sword.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 17th Century]

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