Unusual Spanish Broadsword, 17th C

Description

Iron hilt consisting of short, straight, undecorated quillons, knuckle bow with simple decoration at its finial, unusually large pas d’ane, small integrally forged pierced and faceted guard with painted inventory number; bun-shaped pommel with turned baluster base and large button. Original wood grip, having long ago lost its wrap. Broad 33 1/2” (85 cm) blade with mid-length central fuller marked with undecipherable maker’s mark; the ricasso notched later for a forefinger rest. We believe this was period modified from a cup-hilted broadsword, with cup removed, quillons shortened, and the original guardopolvo serving as the current guard. Probably a captured or battlefield pickup piece period altered for actual use, and possibly with piracy association. Overall length 38 1/4” (97.1 cm). Formerly in the War Museum Collection.