Smallsword / Epee characteristic question...

[Mark McMorrow]

Might anyone be able to establish a date range for the use of inletted horizontal bars occasionally encountered on epee / smallsword handles??

[Mark McMorrow]

No input gents?

[Gene Wilkinson]

Hi Mark

It's a beautiful sword. Can we see the rest?

[Mark McMorrow]

Hello Gene,

Unfortunately, I don’t have the sword... only this close-up of the hilt. Am attempting to pin down more detail on the use of those thin bars that run the length of the grip.

[Glen C.]

Of 18th century use, the only example I am familiar with is a studied reproduction of a spadroon blade marked to GIII. Caged grips go back to at least mid 15th century, so if anything, I would think them a bit of a homage. A&A shows both 15th refit and 16th century examples.
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sword191.html
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sword135.html

I know I have seen a few other recreation/reproduction uses with both wire or horn/wood. The spadroon I know of is/was in the Hank Reinhardt collection.
http://www.hankreinhardt.com/Sale/Sw...ords%20221.htm

Both the period swords A&A does and the spadroon have a continental look to them (imo). The rest of the sword pic you share seems it could be a little earlier in the 18th century but not by much (going by characteristics). I'll have a look though some books but it will be conclusive of the general period. Hartzler may have a ringer. Don't know why I am thinking Italian when German or French might be more likely.

I am assuming a trefoil type blade which would lean German again.

Cheers
GC