Mortuary Hilt Sword
The Mortuary Hilt Sword is a basket-hilted sword originated in England during the early 17th century. It served as the standard weapon for British dragoons until approximately 1670 and was utilized by both factions during the English Civil War (2–1651). The name of 'Mortuary Sword' was given to it by 19th-century collectors.
This early form of basket-hilt sword was designed for heavy cavalry, featuring a large, double edged broadsword blade. Some existing examples have a single-edged blade with a sharpened back edge intended for thrusting.
Famous examples of this sword include one in the Cleveland Museum of Art, potentially belonging to Sir Thomas Fairfax, and another in the Royal Armouries, London, believed to have been owned by Cromwell.
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