Hi all:-)

Its nearly 5am and I should probably be sleeping right now - but since I'm new here and someone suggested I should post a few shots of swords in my collection - well, I thought I might as well jump in right now and go for it:-)

First of all: Here is my dated English Civil War Mortuary hilter (dated 1650)...

The baskethilt next to it has been dated as early 1700s by the Victoria and Albert Museum people...

John.

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Here's another angle of the Mortuary hilter and Scots baskethilt...

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Interesting shot of the blade of my Mortuary...

You might (?) just be able to make out the date near the top of the pic (1650) - it also has an interesting Latin inscription on the blade:

"Inter arma silent leges" or "in war, the law is silent" (I guess it would literally be "in war, the laws are silent")

Considering what had happened to the king a year earlier, a very appropriate maxim methinks...

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My favourite smallsword (French, 1780s):

This is a lovely cut steel hilter that I'm extremely fond of - she's my 'baby' basically:-)

To handle, the fastest and most beautifully balanced smallsword I've owned...

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Here's an overall shot of the Cut Steel Hilter in its scabbard...

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Here's an earlier 'colichemarde' bladed smallsword that probably belonged to a military officer of the 1750s...

First an overall shot...

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Here's a closeup of the colichemarde's hilt...

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Here's my first ever smallsword I bought...

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Here's some of the blueing and gilt on the blade...

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Okay - I'll finish off with a few shots of three of my British military swords (originally I had a collection of about 30 of them - these three are what is left of that first collection from about 25 years ago...)

First of all, the early 1845 pattern gothic hilter that I just couldn't part with:-)

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Here's an overall shot of my gothic hilter...

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My Indian army 1897 pattern infantry officer...

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John,
Thanks for sharing these. Unlike other forums, you can attach more than one pic to a post (up to 10 I believe). Once you've attached the first, just attach more until it tells you you've attached too many. :) That should save having to make one post for each picture and should save space on the page itself for viewers. :)

The blade on the 1897 is wonderful - my pictures can't do it justice...

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Ooops:-)

Thanks for letting me know that Chad - here are the last couple of shots I was going to put up - hopefully all attached to one message:-)

John.

PS The last sword is a WW1 vintage (1915) artillery officer's sword - beautifully factory sharpened by Wilkinson because it was made in war time - after all this time this sword is still sharp enough to do some major damage:-)

PPS Thats it for me - hope you enjoy:-)

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Wow. Impressive collection. I really like the French smallsword, and the 1845 gothic hilt. I'm not usually a fan of the later stuff, but those two are beauties. Thanks for sharing!

Very nice examples of the types John. I especially like your favorite smallsword. Not my type of weapon at all but I admire the craftsmanship.

Years ago I owned quite a few similar pieces but sold them off for various reasons, as they weren't my real interest but were there and affordable. On occasion I wish I had a few of them back.

You have a beautiful collection, John. I am a fan of basket hilts and mortuaries, but I do also like your colichemarde small sword. Thanks for sharing your photos!

Thanks for sharing these here John. You know I'd seen the mortuary & basket-hilt some time ago when you
first aquired them,but you know me and Mortuarys....can never get enough eye candy of them........


Cheers,

Bill

Very nice...thanks.