Rebellion & Enlightenment

Mortuary Hilt

Period:

17th Century

Description:

These swords were very common in Great Britain in the 17th century and were used by both sides during the civil war and by the Covenanters.  They were given the name 'mortuary' swords by collectors in the 19th century as the heads depicted on the hilts were thought to represent the martyred Charles I.  This type is so common that it probably represents a regulation pattern.  Although the blade carries an inscription representing the swordmaker Andrea dei Ferari,  who lived and worked in Belluno, near Venice, his mark was widely copied in the German town of Solingen, and the blade also carries the wolfshead mark of this town. 

 

The town of Solingen exported blades all over Europe as well as to North Africa and even to India and are very common in both Scotland and England.

Place of Production:

Scotland or England (hilt) and probably Solingen, Germany (blade)

Materials/Media:

length of blade 889mm

Creator:

Andrea dei Ferari (?)

Source:

Dean Castle

Accession Number:

MA/S120

Digital Number:

EAAM087a - b

Copyright:

East Ayrshire Council

Related Items:

1. ‘Mortuary’ Sword