Pommel of a Sword

Culture Southern German , or

Culture Swiss

Dateabout 1570

Mediumiron

Dimensions5.7 × 4.4 cm (2 1/4 × 1 3/4 in.), 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.416

DescriptionIron. Large & heavy fig-shaped, narrow end towards grip. Deeply carved & filed in spiralled treatment of 6 rounded ribs alternately cross-hatched & roped, the patterns formed by thin engraved lines. No base nor button. Axially pierced for strong rectangular tang tapering acutely.
Label TextThe pommel is a characteristic feature of European swords. It serves to balance the weight of the blade, making the weapon easier to control. Almost every sword blade has a long, narrow projection called the tang, to which the grip is secured. Once the grip was in place, the pommel was slipped over the projecting end of the tang, and the stub of the tang was hammered down to secure the assembled weapon. Early pommels tended to have simple geometrical shapes, but by the end of the Middle Ages they were being carved into elaborate forms. The style of pommel is often crucial to dating a sword, but many surviving examples have had their pommels replaced at some point, making the task a considerable challenge.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Dr. Bashford Dean (Riverdale, New York), his # 63 Given to the Museum January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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