English 17th Century Dragoon Officer’s Sword
An original 17th Century English Dragoon officer’s back sword with characteristic gilt brass double-shell hilt and bilobate knuckle-bow. The shell guard is deeply engraved on both sides, front and rear with a knight’s helmet within a sun-like circle with radiating lines amidst scroll and club design. The brass pommel has matching knight’s head engravings below feather-like engraving. Some of the original gilding remains.
The 71.5cm single edged, hollow ground blade is most likely of German manufacture and is engraved on both sides with a pattern of roses and scroll-work. The blade is sharp and shows signs of use with slight edge nicks and a chip below the point. The blade has an all-over salt & pepper age patina.
This type of sword was carried throughout the English Civil War and by both the Parliamentary and Royalist forces.
The sword is in over-all good condition for its age and service. The blade is firm in the hilt and the shell guard and knuckle-bow are firm and without damage. The wooden hilt has had the wire binding restored. The original woven wire collars remain intact.
This is a very rare and desirable collector’s sword in good original condition.