English Pierced-Iron Hilt Sword, late 17th/early 18th century. Elaborate pierced and engraved iron hilt composed of scrolling foliage and openwork panels, retaining traces of contrasting gilt decoration. The distinctive grip is formed as a single rigid construction with alternating gilt-metal bands and finely worked silver-colored twisted borders, with braided wire collars above and below. Mounted with a long, straight, double-edged diamond-section steel blade, tapering from approximately 3/4 in. at the guard to 1/4 in. near the point. The blade shows age-related pitting and evidence of old cleaning, which has softened portions of the central ridge. Overall length: 35 1/4 in. Blade length: 28 1/4 in.