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Sword

c.1550
steel, hilt russetted, leather grip
Overall: 100 cm (39 3/8 in.); Blade: 87 cm (34 1/4 in.); Quillions: 6.3 cm (2 1/2 in.); Grip: 11.5 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Weight: 1000 g (2.2 lbs.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1715
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

There are three unidentified marks inlaid on the ricasso or the unsharpened blade just above the guard.

Description

The hilt of this sword is russeted, a decorative technique popular in France and England that imparts a brownish color to the surface of the metal. It was achieved by a chemical process that involved treating the steel surface with a mild corrosive medium. As an added benefit the process also helps protect against rust.
Sword

Sword

c.1550

Italy, 16th century

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