Massive English Baskethilt Backsword Blade Marked Birmingham

The huge impressive blade measures 35 and 3/8th inches and is a full 1 and 3/4 inches wide at the ricasso. A wide fuller extends the full length of the blade and a narrow fuller extends more than three quarters of the blade. Boldly stamped “BIRMINGHAM” on both sides within the wide fuller.

The oversize full basket hilt is masterfully forged with saltires and fine file work. The fish skin grip is bound with twisted copper wire surmounted by elaborate copper “Turks Heads”. Plain iron onion pommel.

Original leather scabbard with iron chape and tiered locket. Condition of blade rated fine with staining and light wear but no serious pitting. The basket is polished and the interior shows great age. There are old repairs to several bars but hilt is generally good. Pommel is fine. The fish skin grip and binding are excellent. The scabbard is ‘alligatored’ but retains some original black surface. Locket is fine. Chape is a quality armourer’s replacement. The leather is tender but intact.

18th century baskethilt backswords with original scabbards are very rare. This is a most impressive example that may have seen service with a British officer in the Revolution.