Italian Shell Guard Infantry Sword, ca. 1620

Description

Iron hilt with asymmetrical down-turned hexagonal-section quillons; shell guard extending
outward and up from the quillon block. Tapered pommel with rounded sides and flat front
and back faces incised with line decor; turned button finial. Tapering wood grip with black
leather wrap (worn), lightly carved with initials (VHI?) on reverse, likely an ownership mark.
Double-edged unmarked 32 3/4″ blade of flattened diamond-section. Dark brown age
patina to metal parts. Overall length 38 3/4″.