Sword Hilt
1600-1625 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This basket-hilt of blackened iron encrusted with silver is of a form known in the early 17th century as an 'Irish' hilt. At that period 'Irish' also meant the Highland Scots, who were celebrated for using a basket-hilted broadsword of similar type. The guard, which protects the hilt, and the pommel, which acts as a counterweight to the blade, are heavily overlaid with silver flowers and foliage. This was a characteristically English type of decoration at this period. The blade is engraved and inlaid in gold with religious mottoes in Latin and the royal arms of James I. The design includes a crowned S and an orb and cross - devices used by the cutlers of Solingen.
Trade
The blade is also stamped with a cutler's mark - a unicorn's head. This mark was used by Clemens Horn (1580-1630), one of the most prominent Solingen cutlers. Solingen, in central Germany, had a very large export trade and supplied specially commissioned blades.
People
A number of similarly decorated blades have been recorded, including one in Windsor Castle dated 1617 and traditionally said to have belonged to James I.
This basket-hilt of blackened iron encrusted with silver is of a form known in the early 17th century as an 'Irish' hilt. At that period 'Irish' also meant the Highland Scots, who were celebrated for using a basket-hilted broadsword of similar type. The guard, which protects the hilt, and the pommel, which acts as a counterweight to the blade, are heavily overlaid with silver flowers and foliage. This was a characteristically English type of decoration at this period. The blade is engraved and inlaid in gold with religious mottoes in Latin and the royal arms of James I. The design includes a crowned S and an orb and cross - devices used by the cutlers of Solingen.
Trade
The blade is also stamped with a cutler's mark - a unicorn's head. This mark was used by Clemens Horn (1580-1630), one of the most prominent Solingen cutlers. Solingen, in central Germany, had a very large export trade and supplied specially commissioned blades.
People
A number of similarly decorated blades have been recorded, including one in Windsor Castle dated 1617 and traditionally said to have belonged to James I.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
|
| Materials and techniques | Iron, with silver incrustation |
| Brief description | displayed with blade - M.54:1-1947; Arms and armour Arms and armour |
| Physical description | The hilt was removed from what was left of the blade and refitted to the blade from M.54-1947, probably on acquisition of the latter sword in 1947 which had a much later, 19th century cast bronze hilt. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
SWORDS AS FASHIONABLE ACCESSORIES
Swords reflected the status and wealth of the wearer. They were as much masculine jewellery as weapons. The military ornament and plain blade of the rapier indicate that it might have belonged to an officer. In contrast, the elaborate inlaid and engraved decoration on the sword blade, suggests a luxury object. The royal arms of James I may indicate that it was one of a batch of high-quality, imported blades supplied to the king and probably intended as gifts to prominent courtiers.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by W. G. Ullathorne |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This basket-hilt of blackened iron encrusted with silver is of a form known in the early 17th century as an 'Irish' hilt. At that period 'Irish' also meant the Highland Scots, who were celebrated for using a basket-hilted broadsword of similar type. The guard, which protects the hilt, and the pommel, which acts as a counterweight to the blade, are heavily overlaid with silver flowers and foliage. This was a characteristically English type of decoration at this period. The blade is engraved and inlaid in gold with religious mottoes in Latin and the royal arms of James I. The design includes a crowned S and an orb and cross - devices used by the cutlers of Solingen. Trade The blade is also stamped with a cutler's mark - a unicorn's head. This mark was used by Clemens Horn (1580-1630), one of the most prominent Solingen cutlers. Solingen, in central Germany, had a very large export trade and supplied specially commissioned blades. People A number of similarly decorated blades have been recorded, including one in Windsor Castle dated 1617 and traditionally said to have belonged to James I. |
| Bibliographic reference | A.R.E. North, European Swords, V&A, cat. 68
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.472-1936 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
