I have seen plenty of pictures of period pieces in museums with black and brown leather grips. Those two colors seem to be popular. My question is, what other colors remain on surviving swords today? Does anyone have a pic of a period piece with a blue, green, white, grey, or red grip? What about 'oxblood' which seems to be so popular these days? Any other colors?

Logic tells me that they could dye leather in any color they wanted to, just as we can today, but I was wondering specifically what colors we have evidence of.

I realize that some colors might have faded over the centuries, but if you have a pic that shows any indication that the grip was once another color, please post it so we can all see =)

As you mention: Time is not kind to leather grips and dyes. Colors fade, colors darken, and grips deteriorate and get replaced. At first glance, many grips might appear black or brown but it isn't until careful examination that the original colors can be noted.

Here are some threads that deal with similar info:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=11883
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=7119
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=2631
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=4488

Would you happen to have seen (or even better, have some pictures) any particular grips? I realize that a picture with that much detail on a grip might be hard to come by, but this community is pretty big and pretty resourceful. I am trying to get a feel for some of the more favored grip colors of the time.

Here's the 'Battle Abbey sword' from the National Museum of Scotland ca.15th.C. ce.

The photo is copyright www.scotlandsimages.com with the caption:

Quote:

The Sword of Battle Abbey, with pommel and quillons plated with silver, engraved and gilded: English, made during the abbacy of Sir Thomas de Lodelowe (1417-34), early 15th century

I can't vouch for the accuracy of the Victorian depiction, but you get the idea.

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