Schiavona (basket-hilted sword)
Cultureblade
German
Culturehilt
Italian
Date1700s
Mediumsteel, iron, brass, wood and leather
Dimensions107.3 × 93 cm (42 1/4 × 36 5/8 in.), 3 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Markings"Running wolf" mark in digital file.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.495
DescriptionSteel double edge elliptical section broadsword blade tapering to point with shallow fuller on both faces of forte. Obverse cut with "running wolf" mark & on reverse near shoulder is "mill-rind" mark. Iron basket hilt of form associated with Schiavone, consisting of flat iron bars with thumb-ring & straight rear quillon expanding to necked terminal. Wooden leather-wrapped grip tapering to cast brass "cat's eye" pommel, carved with lion faces.
Hilt appears to be damaged & tilted in plane of blade. Rear quillon is slightly deformed. Pommel has lost its forward ear. Traces of blackening overall & what may be incised characters at base of guard rear near quillon.
ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Morosini sale #3986 at the American Art Association (NYC), October 10-15, 1932, lot #191. Paid $6 for lot of three swords. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewabout 1600–1650
1650–1675
about 1650–1700