Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/208

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the blade, is in the author's collection; this was likewise found in France (Fig. 163), which would seem to point to a French origin for the type of hilt generally. A second sword in the Wallace Collection (Fig. 164) No. 10, shows a somewhat different formation in the pommel, which is triangular. This sword is probably English. The blade is of flat lozenge section, 1-3/8 inch wide at the hilt and 30 inches long. It has an armourer's mark inlaid in copper.

Fig. 167. Sword, probably English, first half of the XIVth century

Found in Cannon Street

Collection: Author

Fig. 168. Sword, probably English, first half of the XIVth century

Found in the Thames at Wandsworth

Collection: Author

A highly satisfactory weapon, though of somewhat later date, is also in the Wallace Collection, No. 8 (Fig. 165). The proportions of the hilt are admirable, while its balance in the hand as a fighting weapon leaves nothing to be desired. The hilt has been completed by the addition of a modern grip. It has also been blackened and the blade brightened. The wheel pommel is largely proportioned, and, like the swords illustrated (Figs. 162 and 163), the quillons droop gently over the blade, which is of flattened diamond-*shaped section, of rigid construction, 2-1/2 inches wide at the hilt but tapering acutely to the point. We may take it that the sword is also of French make. It was formerly in the collection of the Compte de Nieuwerkerke.