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Basket-Hilt Broadsword ("Mortuary Sword")

hilt: c. 1640–50; blade: 1700s · steel, chiseled; inlaid gilt- silver foil; wood and wire grip

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

The decoration on this sword's hilt includes an image of King Charles I of England (beheaded in 1649). Because the image resembles the king's death mask, this sword is known as a "mortuary sword." It may have belonged to Sir Thomas Fairfax, a general of the Parliamentary cavalry during the English Civil War (1642-51). Large, double-edged broadswords, designed for heavy cavalry use, were common from the 1600s through the 1800s.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description

Credit lineBasket-Hilt Broadsword ("Mortuary Sword"), hilt: c. 1640–50; blade: 1700s. Hilt: England; Blade: Germany, Solingen (?), Hilt: 17th Century; Blade: 18th Century. Steel, chiseled; inlaid gilt- silver foil; wood and wire grip; overall: 101.6 cm (40 in.); blade: 85.2 cm (33 9/16 in.); hilt: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance, 1916.696

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