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

Terms

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.

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