Proto Mortuary Sword
 

All of the so-called 'proto-mortuary' swords I've seen to date have hilts with the same basic shape and with simple straight line decoration, with maybe a few more lines around where the blade goes through the hilt.

I got this one back in July, which has way more detail on the hilt. Sort of half way house to the well chiselled hilts of full so-called 'Mortuary' swords.

33" multi-fullered blade, which is 1/4" thick at the start of the spine. A false edge of c.9". Feels very handy indeed.

'Andrea Ferrara' and some initials in the fullers either side.

This is an extremely handsome example of these English half basket cavalry swords of early to mid 17th c. I honestly have not heard of the term proto-mortuary sword, as this goes in line with the death of Charles I of England who was executed in 1649 presuming the 'mortuary' hilt was commemorating that event. The term presumes the 'cavalier' style face typically in the motif of the hilt was the death mask of Charles I.

Interestingly that face appears carved into the pommel on this example.

The blade is particularly exciting as this dramatic fullering is evident on the finer examples of Solingen blades for the British market. Contrary to popular belief, the ANDREA FERARA blades were not confined to the Scottish market.
This one is triple marked following this convention often seen on Italian blades.

Unusual to see the very early wire wrapped leather over wood grip surviving.

These style hilts are known to have existed notably prior to the 1649 date typically regarded as the terminus ante quem for the 'mortuary', so this one dates presumably first half 17th c. FANTASTIC EXAMPLE!!!!!