Silver Inlaid Pillow Sword, ca. 1660, Probably English

Description

This type of sword often called a “pillow sword” due to its small size and the thought that it could be hidden under one’s pillow to protect against an intruder. The smaller flattened hilt would certainly make it easier to hide under a pillow, though there is no known evidence to support this type of sword being used in this way. Alternatively, the sword would be right at home with a gentleman at court. This example features a chiseled iron hilt, with short down-curved rounded quillons. 4-sided ovoid pommel with button, and grip wrapped with alternating plain and twisted silver wire, finished with Turks heads top and bottom. Hilt is blackened with solid silver inlaid decoration depicting foliage and fruits, surrounded by tiny silver pellets. Double-edged 30 1/8” (76.5 cm) blade of lens section with central fuller and long ricasso showing faint traces of engraved decoration. Hilt retains nearly all of its original blackening and silver inlay, wire wrap slightly loose at the top, and remains of wax in recesses. Blade with very light pitting and age staining. Overall length 36” (91.5 cm). High quality sword in very good condition for its age.