English Mortuary Hilt Backsword

Inspired by surviving 17th century English examples, this mortuary hilt backsword combines the protective hand guard and lively handling associated with swords of the English Civil War period.

Mortuary hilt swords became popular in the British Isles during the mid 1600s, particularly among cavalry. Their substantial iron guards offered valuable protection for the sword hand, while their blades remained effective for both cutting and thrusting. Some historical examples featured stylized faces or mask-like decoration within the hilt, a detail sometimes connected with the later name mortuary sword.

This interpretation is built around a responsive single-handed blade designed to feel quick and agile in motion. The 1055 carbon steel blade is supplied fully sharpened, with a subtle patinated finish that gives the sword an appropriately aged character without disguising its clean lines.

The darkened iron hilt provides extensive hand protection while retaining the open, flowing appearance associated with mortuary and early basket-hilt forms. A leather-covered grip and rounded pommel complete the traditional profile.

The sword is supplied with an ornate leather and steel scabbard, making it an appealing choice for collectors, historical reenactors and practitioners of Historical European Martial Arts.

George Silver praised the virtues of a short, light and nimble sword in Paradoxes of Defence in 1599, writing of a blade that could “strike, cut, and thrust both strong and quick.” Although written before the classic mortuary hilt became established, his words capture the handling qualities that continued to define effective English swords into the following century.