18th century. Elegant iron hilt with tassel terminal sharply angled knuckle bow stepped at the junction with the rear quillon. Baluster pommel terminal. The hilt original japanned, (black lacquered) with about 50% remaining. 28 ¾” curved blade with raised false edge and medial fuller. The forte with a group of talismanic symbols. Heavy early fighting example in good uniform preservation and undamaged.
