£2,550
AN 18th CENTURY SCOTTISH BASKET-HILTED BACKSWORD
The blade stamped "XX Andria X Ferrara XX" along the single fuller and measuring approx. 83.5cm in length, the pierced guard with velvet and buckskin liner, the grip of fish skin; together with an infantry officer's spadroon, the blade marked only "XI" near ricasso and measuring approx. 82.5cm in length the grip apparently of fluted bone.
The swords are offered with a recently craftsman-made oak display plaque, with a Fraser coat of arms mounted centrally.
Basket-hilted sword - basket sits loose on the blade and is not affixed to the pommel. There is a split to the metal where the central portion would meet the pommel. Elsewhere, there are areas of deterioration, with some lifting/cracking to the surface. Some elements of the pierced decoration have broken; others are worn extremely thin. Wrist guard is bashed and heavily worn. The fishskin grip is similarly worn, with losses. Wire winding is lacking. Liner discoloured, with some tears and potential historic moth damage. Surface rust to pommel. Grip is affixed firmly to blade. Blade is deeply tarnished over its full length, with light surface rust near to basket. Cutting edge remains sharp, with deep nicks along much of its length. Tip is worn square. Naming on the blade is somewhat worn but clearly legible.
Spadroon - Guard and pommel heavily tarnished with widespread surface rust. There is a loss/break to the guard and it sits somewhat loose upon the sword. Blade is darkly patinated and significantly corroded towards the tip. There is also a bend/kink in the blade over its lower quarter.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.80% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
31.8% inc VAT*
