Spanish Bilbo Broadsword, Early 18th C

Description

Iron hilt featuring straight quillons with ball finials, broad shallow cup guard with large
leather interior washer and incised line border, with integral knucklebow attached to the
faceted bun-shaped pommel by a single screw; original grip with twisted copper wire and
vertical iron bars and ferrules top and bottom. Double-edged 37 1/4″ blade of hexagonal-
section with double 9″ fullers; leather blade washer. The bilbo was a distinctly Spanish
weapon used in their New World colonies and thought to be a favorite of pirates. Overall
length 43″. Very good condition with age patina and generally smooth metal surfaces; a
few very shallow nicks to the blade edge.