George I basket hilt sword

This 18th century basket hilt sword features a hilt with Maltese cross design and roundels. The blade bears the mark of George I of Britain, who reigned from 1714 to 1727. This period saw much religious and political unrest, as Jacobites attempted, but failed, to replace him with John Francis Edward Stuart ('The Old Pretender), who was the Catholic half-brother of George's predecessor Queen Anne.   Basket hilt swords provided good level of protection for hands when fighting with an opponent, especially with cutting motions. Swords such as this example were used primarily in a military setting, as opposed to rapiers, which are used more in civilian dress.   Part of the Walker collection.