Thames Basket Hilt

Based on Original: Circa 1540 English, Find place Thames River, Royal Armouries, Leeds (IX.4427) Overall length: 43.6" Blade length: 37.3" Blade Width: 1.6" Guard Width: 9" Grip Length: 3.4" COG: 6.7" Weight:  3.2 lbs 1465 gr An early English basket-hilt replica based on one recovered from the bed of the Thames River. This elegant sword now resides in the Royal Armoury in Leeds and is one of the finest examples of this Tudor style of early barred basket-hilt. This sword represents a uniquely English style of hilt. The large globose pommel is an element seen in civilian rapiers of the time but also on these military style swords. The guard made from round or ovoid bars is stoutly made but not highly finished. The original probably represents an excellent example of a common military sword of the period. A similar sword was found with the wreck of the Mary Rose which sunk in 1545.This reproduction is hand made to the original specifications and fitted with a leather grip bound with a t