EnglandBasket-hilted sword from England (or Scotland), Europe. Collector not known. Purchased by the Museum from William H. Parker in 1889.

By the 17th century, the 'cut-and-thrust' rapier had become the weapon of choice for fencing and civilian use but the broadsword survived in military use. Basket-hilted forms like this were the definitive north European cavalry weapons of the time. Oliver Cromwell was a big fan of these swords, where the knucklebow and quillons were moulded round into a fretted basket-form.

This example is similar to the famous Scottish 'claymore' but it is less ornate and probably of English manufacture. Its distinctive heart-shaped cut-outs identify it as being like those used by the Royal Horseguards from 1750 to 1775.