http://www.guns.uk.com/store/shop/shop.php?action=full&id=81

Hey Guys...

I am interested in purchasing this sword. I was wondering if anybody knew why it might be an earlier version of the bilbo than a later....I've seen the "GIO KNEGT" swords dated from 1670-1805....

Also, I have ordered "Spanish military weapons in colonial America, 1700-1821"...
is there another source reference book for Bilbos?


Thanks again!
Brad

Its really hard to tell with these types of swords, they were used for such a long time. I owned a Gio Kneght Bilboa and I too wondered about the age. Mine was marked the same and I guessed my sword to be around 1750's to 1780's. One clue to the age of these swords is the pommel. This one has an earlier pommel type - round. Mine was urn shaped and as such a bit newer. There were several Kneghts who were armourers and to muddy the waters a bit more, there were a couple Johannes Kneghts, two of which that I know of who used the spelling Gio. I would say that he has the age correct. I've dealt with him before and had great service. I would purchase from him again.

Hopefully this helps a bit.