Early eighteenth century English baskethilts... -- myArmoury.com

R. Laine

I've recently started to find myself attracted to baskethilts (it's that damn Wylde again! -grin-), and, without real knowledge on the swords at the moment, was wondering what an early eighteenth century baskethilt would have been like. If someone could describe one, or post a picture, or something, it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks.

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

What, no photos yet??? Guess I'll have to remember to scrounge up a few...

--ElJay

Scott Bubar · Posted: Sun 25 Apr, 2004 8:15 am Post subject:

There are quite a few in the myArmoury albums section.

Try starting here. As good a place as any.

R. Laine · Posted: Sun 25 Apr, 2004 9:07 am Post subject:

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

OK here's some photos. I have usually dated most of these ca. 1750 or so, but in the last 10 years there has been some evidence put forward that indicates that some of these styles were in use as early as the later 1600s.

The first photo is one of a style that Oakeshott dated in the 1680s. The blade is definately of 1600s vintage, and the remains of a ricasso indicates that this blade was adapted for this hilt. Grip is original.

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

Here's one with a fairly large hilt, and the blade being single-fullered is more typical of the first half of the 1700s.

David McElrea · Posted: Mon 26 Apr, 2004 6:42 am Post subject:

Amazing photos, ElJay-- are they from your own collection?

David

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

These last two are half-basket hangers with blades by Harvey. Both were in use before the 1750s, but I'm not sure when these types ceased to be used.

For another style of English basket that dates from the 1680s, Oakeshott has documented a "Pinch of Snuff" type hilt from that time frame.

--ElJay

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

Hi David,
Yep, I'm the caretaker!

--ElJay

David McElrea · Posted: Mon 26 Apr, 2004 6:53 am Post subject:

They are exceptional (to my eyes). Congratulations on your position of caretaker-- I've just fallen in love with a new kind of sword! I don't suppose you know anything more about their provenance?

Cheers,

David

R. Laine · Posted: Mon 26 Apr, 2004 7:22 am Post subject:

Thanks, ElJay, those swords are absolutely beautiful!

So, if you don't mind me asking... would I be wrong if I said it seems many baskethilts from the time have baskets consisting of relatively narrow... err... curly... bars?

Thanks and best wishes,
Rabbe

William Goodwin · Posted: Mon 26 Apr, 2004 7:41 am Post subject:

You may find a few of these still floating around that time period for English basket-hilt / mortuary - hilt

William
aka Bill

R. Laine · Posted: Mon 26 Apr, 2004 8:09 am Post subject:

Thanks, William... Had forgotten the mortuarys entirely.

Going to ask one more thing... Well, two, and then I'll stop. Honest!

First, were liners ever used in baskethilts of the period? Also, I've seen some baskets that extend somewhat "higher" over the wrist than the ones posted in this thread. Would such a feature have been totally out of place during the early 18th century?

Thanks and best wishes,
Rabbe

PS. Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just couldn't really find the answers elsewhere. Hopefully you people can manage to bear with me. -grin-

Henrik Bjoern Boegh · Posted: Tue 27 Apr, 2004 2:18 am Post subject:

Wow! A lot of nice pictures there. I really fancy the hilts on the two first pictures.
Eljay, I'll post some basket designs on the scottish forum on the swordforum one of these days, I'd love some response!

-Henrik

E.B. Erickson · Industry Professional

Hi Dave,
As usual with antiques, no provenance. The closest thing I've got to a provenance is that I know who I bought them from!

Hi Rabbe,
Yes, liners were used in the early 1700s, as was the extended wristguard (although this was more common on the purely Scottish baskets in the early 1700s).

Besides the narrow bar styles above, in the late 1600s early 1700s there were wide bar hilts (ala Glasgow styling), heavily sculpted iron hilts, and sculpted gilt brass hilts. There are also hilts with serpents that form the basket members. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of those types to post.

Hi Bjorn,
I'll keep my eyes open!

--ElJay

R. Laine · Posted: Tue 27 Apr, 2004 8:11 am Post subject:

Thanks, ElJay!