In aged copndition, an authentic English Civil War Mortuary Sword
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Circa 1640-1650, infantry use blade length (used by both infantry and cavalry, but the later would have 35.5+ inch blades normally). Armourer’s talismanic stamps to the blade still just visible. A Parliamentarian’s sword (supporter of Oliver Cromwell).
Called a “Mortuary” sword due to the fact that the chiseled bowl guards often depict a grotesque face death mask of the beheaded King Charles 1st of England; used both as a statement of allegiance to Cromwell and believed to bring good luck (protection). A rare sword, in any condition.
The 33 inch broadsword blade is very aged, with some bending / buckling, a very old repair near the point, several very old (likely period) nicks. Blade a tad loose in the hilt. The half basket guard has a small bar section loss, plus one bar has broken free of the pommel, and is pitted evenly throughout. The waxen twisted cord bound grip is very old but likely a replacement for perished iron cord. There is no scabbard.
Rare, rare, rare. was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH80. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1863 104x19x16 (1.86)
