Hi All,

Since this is where the "basket Heads" seem to be congregating I thought I would post this one. It appears to be a Twysden-style backsword. The total length is 42" with a blade length of 37". There is some faint engravings but most of it is lost to corrosion. There is mild hilt damage as well.

Any and all comments good and bad are welcome.

Thanks
Jeff

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Jeff,
That is a very cool sword. I assume it is yours? What time frame would you give it? 1650-1660? Last half of the 17th century? If you subscribe to the Mazansky typology, it does appear to be a Type B (Twysden style) rather than a Type D (Thin-barred simple hilt) because of the construction of the basket. The "Twysden" hilts have sectionally flat bars and the thin-barred simple hilts have circular or eliptical bars. The bars on yours look quite stout! Thanks for sharing.

Jonathan

For reference, here is the Twysden sword:
[ Linked Image ]

PS--The hilt decoration has always reminded my of the A&A Elizabethan Rapier. Wouldn't it just be a natural progression to reproduce this hilt? Please?

Impressive.
Any idea of the weight, Jeff?

Hi Jonathan,
My guess to age is somewhere in the last half of the 17th century but I cannot be sure. The backsword blade of this style is consistent with that age, maybe a little later. It is quite massive at 37" (total sword length 42"). The hilt style is also consistent with the later 17th date, but the pommel is strange. The groove for the guard goes half ways around much like the ribbon hilt's pommels. Maybe it is a later add on or possibly a transition I don't know. I have shown a weld break at the back of the basket, there is a smaller one on one of the side guards, I would like to know if these are typical locations for the welds?.
It is a very impressive piece to hold.

Hi Tim,
The total weight is 2.6 lbs.

Thanks for the comments
Jeff

Hi Jeff,
That looks like a decent sword. The pommel isn't what one usually finds on this type of hilt, but it's not out of place, either.
The welds were pretty much up to the hiltmaker, so you can find variation in construction. What I find interesting about the weld in your photo is that it looks like it has a rivet for reinforcement or repair.

How does the handling compare to the "Clemens Henckel" Twysden-type basket of yours?

--ElJay

Don't discount that the blade could have been a replacement. Look closely at the intersection of the basket and blade and you can see the characteristic corrosion of a lead fill or shim to close the gap and tighten the blade in place. The stoutness of construction also puts me in mind of a military "munitions" weapon.

Hi Eljay,
Thanks for the comments. I hadn't noticed a rivet but with careful inspection I think you are correct, great eye! This one definately handles different than your old Henckel, because of its size it has to be a cavalry chopper. The grip isn't near as nice either ;) . This blade has a couple of areas of deep pitting that might have a mark at the bottom do you know of any tricks to removing the old rust?

Hi GG,
The shim you can see in the one photo is the original leather "washer' I will show photo's below. The basket is as you say a more munition grade, but the blade is unbelievably light for its size. I think this piece was made for service .

Hi Jonathan,
I had the good fortune of picking up one of Eljay's previous pieces in the late 90's, unfortunately it is in deep storage until I build a new house, i am planning on bringing them out for inspection in a couple months and will take some photo's. Until then here is a teaser, the orginal dealer's photo of the piece.

Thanks to all for the comments.
Jeff

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Oooooooooooooh. Fantastic! I can't wait!

Thanks,
Jonathan

Hi Jeff,

I remember seing your sword on ebay some time ago. I was fascinated by the proportions. Especially the size/dimentions of blade versus that of the basket. It looks like a tough old veteran! :D
Thanks for sharing! And I also look forward to seing more of your collection.

Cheers,
Henrik