"Crab-Claw" Hilted Sword

Culture Italian , probably Veneto

Dateabout 1620–1630

Mediumsteel, iron and wood

Dimensions94 × 77.5 cm (37 × 30 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsObverse fuller stamped "DELAORTA" & reverse fuller stamped "IOHANNII".

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.322

DescriptionSteel double edge blade with rounded point & of hollow-ground hexagonal section forte becoming elliptical section. Russeted crab-claw hilt with double pair of comma-shaped arms curving towards blade & open side ring on obverse. Outer forward arm has been bent toward inner. Curved triangular guard with turned edges & engraved with foliate motifs. Upper end of guard screwed to tall, olive-shaped iron pommel with raised oval panels on faces & thick necked base & restored button. Wooden grip tapering to pommel, crudely wrapped in iron wire with crude pair of braided "Turk's heads" at ends.
ProvenanceAngelo Peyron (Florence, Italy) collection, purchased by Museum on November 4, 1954 from Savoy Art & Auction Galleries (NYC), sale no. 450, lot no. 37. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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