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Edged Weapons

Complete swords are rarely found archaeologically; however, many fragments (the iron parts only) are often recovered from 17th- century Virginia sites.  Blade sections, basket hilts, guards, and pommels for a variety of edged weapons are represented in many  collections.            

Saber with blade, basket hilt, and pommel, from 44PG302

Basket, Pommel, and small section of blade from 44PG302

Basket Hilt with silver inlay  from 44PG302

Plain basket hilt from 44PG302

Basket hilts, known in both England and Scotland by the mid-16th century, are originally associated with a long straight double-edge blade—the broadsword.  The basket pattern was also later adapted by the English for their mounted troops.  Many basket hilts for various blade types have been recovered from 17th-century Virginia archaeological sites.

Pommel from 44PG302 with silver inlay

Typical English ball type sword pommel 

The larger, oval, ball-type pommel is associated with the English double-edged broadsword and the basket hilt.

Decorated shell guard from 44CC178

Shell guard from 44PG302

Shell guards are more likely to be found on the English hanger, a short sword with at least one cutting edge, originally used by infantrymen. 

Dagger guard from 44PG302

Any sheathed knife may be called a dagger, but it came to refer to a double-bladed small knife, effective as a thrusting and stabbing weapon.

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