Lot 600
A 16TH CENTURY 'HAND AND A HALF' SWORD IN EXCAVATED CONDITION. With an 86cm tapering straight blade of diamond cross section with central ridge, with curved cross guard with flared terminals with decorated ends, the wooden handle with leather covering, 104cm long, c1.25kg. It has been suggested that this sword dates from c1510-20 and is possibly of German origin. This sword was discovered outside the town of Evesham before the First World War whilst ploughing on the estate belonging to the Master of the Rolls Sir C. Swinfen Eady. This estate was adjacent to the spot where Simon de Montfort fell during the Battle of Evesham when Prince Edward, loyal to King Henry III had a conclusive victory. During the Civil War Evesham was garrisoned by the King's troops and an uneasy relationship with the locals evolved. The storming of Evesham occurred in 1645 when a force of 800 horse and 600 foot took up positions outside the town. Colonel Edward Massey's troops taking control of the town in what some have described as one of the most brilliant exploits of the conflict. It is tempting to think that this fascinating sword which laid undisturbed in the ground for many years saw action in one of these actions.
