Broadsword (Bilbo)

Artistblade by Heinrich Col (Germany, Solingen)

Culturehilt Spanish

Date1700s

Mediumsteel, wood and brass

Dimensions110 × 92.5 × 3.5 × 15 cm (43 5/16 × 36 7/16 × 1 3/8 × 5 7/8 in.), 2 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.345

DescriptionSteel double-edge flattened hexagonal section wide blade tapering gently to spatulate point. Hollow-ground on both forte faces. Asymmetrical bivalve iron shell curving toward guard, screwed to butterfly-shaped base plate of large arms of the hilt. Crossguard recurved in plane of blade with balustered teminals. Curved knuckle guard balustered at mid-height with similar terminal. Swollen pommel tapering to stout base. Wooden grip wrapped in braided copper wire & reinforced by iron strips on faces.
ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 30, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 298. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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