Period correct Sword hilts ? besides clamshell?

[Littleneckhalfshell]

I have seen many swords posted in various threads and usually the same ones come up.

There are fantasy swords, and some that are declared to be 'period correct' which usually are some

variation on the 'clam shell' design. I am trying to figure out exactly WHAT makes a sword, or particularly a sword hilt, period correct. I did run across a book listed online for sale "British Basket-Hilted Swords : A Typology of Basket-type sword Hilts" by Cyril Mazansky, but the price was more than I want to part with and I am not even sure if it would be covering what my question is about.

I am curious about a sword that belonged to my great grandfather, a dress sword, and too long for a Pirate anyway, but the hilt seems nice and I was wondering if I copied it, would it fit in to GAOP

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w132/li.../Swordhilt8.jpg

[Littleneckhalfshell]

Still trying to get the hang of posting pictures, maybe this one will work

[Littleneckhalfshell]

another view of my Great-Grandfather's sword hilt (by the way, it is supposed to be a sword made in Germany sometime in the late 1800's, but I am not sure if the style is specific to that time, or would work in an earlier period)

[Bully MacGraw]

That is a great 19th century sword. Looks German. The way the handle curves may be 1880-1920

nive sword

Write to the folks at sword forum international. Post photos on that web site and you will have some info right away

Ed

[Littleneckhalfshell]

Ok, I already know that it is German, but thank you for confirming that.

What I am sort of looking for is not an identification of my Great Grandfathers sword, but rather where to find some kind of tutorial to sort out swords by their hilt design into different periods.

You stated 1880-1920 from the bend in the handle..... Where do I find this kind of information?

Looking at pictures of swords at the many sites selling swords I can't tell what makes one suitable for one period and not for another. Then on this forum it is mentioned time and time again, that historical accuracy is not something that is reliable from many of the vendors.

The Clamshell hilt design has been called 'period' but I don't really care for the clamshell design, even if my monicker is "littleneckhalfshell" (by the way, there is a very small, shell motief on my G.GF. Sword) I would like to 'make my own' but if I go to all that trouble, I would like it to be correct AND different from what the limited number of vendors provide.

I want to see some examples of what other kinds of hilts would have been present in GAOP. Is there some place I look?

[Brit.Privateer]

If you can get your hands on a copy, the "Boarders Away!" books by William Gilkerson is a great spot to start any research on swords. Also, this man may be able to help you:

http://www.olddominionforge.com/

He actually makes period swords (the right way I might mention).

[michaelsbagley]

Another great book for swords as recomended by may on this forum and others for late period swords is...

Swords and Blades of the American Revolution

Don't let the name of the book fool you (as it almost did me), the book covers swords from most western civilization from the late 17th century up until the early 19th century. It is littered with pics of period swords, including MANY that are correct for the GAoP that are not Clamshell Hangers.

[Littleneckhalfshell]

many thanks, I will see if I can procure those books through the county library system.

if anyone else has suggestions, please share your knowledge on this subject.

[Matty Bottles]

Swords and Blades of the American Revolution might be an even better bet if you are looking for sword hilts than Borders Away. Frankly, I have Borders Away, and I am a little disappointed that it focuses so heavily on post F & I weaponry.