E.B. Erickson Germanic Basket-hilt
Original: German, circa 1570
This Continental basket-hilt is reminiscent of the
schiavona, having a very similar design and construction philosophy. The complex bars of the basket are all attached at the cross-guard and knuckle-bow only, just like the
schiavona. The hilt has a pyramid-shaped pommel as found on many
dussacks, Germanic basket-hilts, and even the type of weapon known as the "Sinclair-hilt". A leather-wrapped grip with cording underneath completes the hilt.
The blade is made by E.B. Erickson. It is double-edged and features a short fuller and a maker's mark. It has a very gradual profile taper with a gently curved tip-section.
It's likely that this type of hilt saw use in the Scottish and English border areas, as one of the antiques on which it was based can be found at the Museum of Border Arms and Armor in Teviotdale, Scotland. Elements from an
antique sword found in E.B. Erickson's own collection also served to inspire this creation.
Overall length: 37"
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Width of guard: 5.75"
Blade: 31.75" long; 1.5" wide tapering to 1.25"
Fuller: 9.5" long
Grip and pommel: 5" long
Point of Balance (PoB): 5.25" from cross-guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21" from cross-guard
Maker:
E.B. Erickson.
This piece is based on several extant swords such as this one located in the Museum of Border Arms and Armour, Scotland.
This piece is based on several extant swords such as this one located in the Museum of Border Arms and Armour, Scotland.
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