Is this sword really this late.

It looks like a Mortuary Sword to me...

http://www.cullodenantiques.com/english_officers_back_sword.html

I may be severely mistaken but that what it appears to be to me.

If you're mistaken, I'm probably more so, but don't mortuary swords usually have additional bars going back to the pommel on both sides of the grip?
Regards
Geoff

No, I believe the date on the sword is correct. I've seen this type before.

The dates given for the sword are correct. The hilt is quite striking, and is included in Cyril Mazansky's typology of British basket hilted swords. He would classify it as a Type IV incomplete basket hilt, which is characterized by a heart-shaped stool. The pommel is of type XVA, which is egg-shaped and tapers to the pommel. The first three photos show a similar sword in my collection (the one in my avatar, which has a colichemarde blade of triangular cross section). The fourth photo shows the sword the dealer has referenced.

If you are interested in similar swords (including traditional English and Scottish basket hilts, mortuary swords, etc.), I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Neumann' Swords and Blades of the American Revolution (its scope is greater than just the 1770s and 1780s) and a copy of Mazansky's British Basket-Hilted Swords.

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BTW--I am sure William (Bill) Goodwin would be happy to clarify what makes a mortuary a mortuary! For now, here is what myArmoury has in the Albums section: Mortuary Hilts. It appears that one distinguishing characteristic is that the mortuary tends to have at least two and often three knuckle guards: the main knuckle guard, and one or two side knuckle guards, which attach to the pommel. The example that inspired this thread has only one knuckle guard--the main knuckle guard--that has branching bars that attach only to the stool (the heart shaped guard), not the pommel.

Also, browsing this section of the National Maritime Museum might turn up some similar examples to the sword that started this thread.

Best,
Jonathan

Martin,

Jonathan H. is spot-on with his assestment. Given the correct time period, it's is a 18th miltiary hanger (English probably)
of sorts. " Mortuary" or English half-baskets were only made a short time between 1635 & 1670.

Nice looking sword there.


Cheers,

Bill

Martin,

shop around on E-bay for the Mazansky book....can sometimes pick-it up at a good price.....definitely a must have
for anyone interested in basket-hilts.


Cheers,

Bill

Call me crazy, but don't the prices on some of the items to the Culloden House link you provided look aweful high?

Mike