Description
The bilbo was a type of cup-hilted sword carried primarily by the Spanish and Portuguese from the 17th to the 19th Centuries, and thought to be a favorite weapon of pirates. It’s heyday covered the era of the Golden Age of Piracy. This example with 4 1/4” diameter hemispherical cup guard with thick downward-rolled edge with double incised line border. Straight round-section quillons with lobed finials; knuckle bow decorated ensuite and connecting to the small faceted urn-shaped pommel. Original turned wood grip. Broad 27 1/4” (69.2 cm) doubled-edged blade with central fuller inscribed “xxxxxxxMINxxxSINALxxHESxxxxx” (My Sign is) on one side, and “xxxxxxEL*SANTISSIMO*CRUCFIGIOxxx” (the Most Holy Crucifixion) on the other, both with line border and stylized anchor mark. Gunmetal gray patina on the metal; guard, grip, and blade all tight; grip sound, with two short splits; blade with scattered pitting. Overall length 34” (86.4 cm). Formerly in the War Museum Collection.
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