Caribbean Pattern Bilbo Broadsword, ca. 1700

Description

The bilbo was a type of cup-hilted sword carried primarily by the Spanish and Portuguese from the 17^th to the 19^th Centuries, and thought to be a favorite weapon of pirates. It’s heyday covered the era of the Golden Age of Piracy. What makes the “Carbibbean Pattern” (an unofficial name) unique is that its relatively crude forging was due to the fact that the hilt, and sometimes the blade, were forged in the New World where knowledge and facilities were inferior to their European counterparts. This example with a large (5 3/8” diameter) heavy cup with crudely incised line border (cup edge slightly dented on reverse side); long, straight quillons expanding slightly at the finials; thick knuckle bow joining the quillon block and stopping short of the pommel; and a pair of lateral bars extending from the quillons on both sides to the edge of the cup. All of this is thick and integrally forged with the cup to make a single assembly, separate from the grip and blade. Original faceted wood grip with crude vertical lines at the corners (never had wrap). Small bun-shaped pommel with integral ferrule. Broad 31 1/4” (79.4 cm) double-edged blade of lens section with double 8 3/4” fullers on each side; no maker’s mark; iron blade washer. The entire sword with a dark black/brown age patina and has never been apart. The guard is quite loose due primarily to grip shrinkage. The hilt shows all the signs of having been made in the New World; ie. crude, heavy iron construction and a crudely carved wood grip. There is no attempt at artistry with this sword, and it was made solely for killing. Blade with numerous shallow edge nicks and dark rust patina, grip with dents and wear. Overall length 37 1/2” (95.35 cm). Formerly in the War Museum Collection. This sword no doubt saw service on the Spanish Main, and was a part of the history of the Americas. Sword guaranteed original of the period, but no warranty made as to the accompanying pirate ghost! Just kidding. Though if the new owner should spot one we=d like to hear about it. It wouldn=t be the first item we=ve had with supernatural associations!