3481 FASCINATING BRITISH MORTUARY HILT SABER.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 4,000.00 USD
Estimated at 8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
This extraordinary saber has a mortuary hilt that dates to the mid-17th century during the Cromwell period in England. However, the curved blade dates to the mid to late 18th century. This elaborate mortuary hilted sword likely belonged to a wealthy British family around 1640-50 and was re-hilted with a more modern blade in keeping with military fashion during the late 18th century. The sword itself measures 37 1/4" overall with a 30 3/4" blade. The plain, flat blade has a 9" false edge and is heavily stamped on each side with the armorer's mark of John Allen, who worked during the 18th century in the armory at the Tower of London. The spectacular iron hilt has an intricately pierced semi-basket style guard featuring 3 faces on each side of the hilt. There are 3 primary branches and 4 secondary branches that form the semi-basket hilt. The pommel is decorated and loosely separated into quadrants. The grip, if not original, is certainly quite early and appears to be sharkskin with brass wire Turk's head knot ferrules above & below. No scabbard. CONDITION: blade is in exceptional condition with a light gray finish and only a few scattered nicks to the edge. The hilt has a dark, ancient patina, but shows no notable damage. The grip is quite solid with no losses. (02-19867/BF). $8,000-12,000.