AN IMPRESSIVE KNIGHTLY SWORD IN 15TH CENTURY STYLE

AN IMPRESSIVE KNIGHTLY SWORD IN 15TH CENTURY STYLE, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY with strongly tapering double-edged blade of flattened-diamond section, iron hilt comprising a pair of straight ribbon-like quillons, and diamond-shaped pommel, the latter with an oval recess on each face, and fabric-covered grip retained by wire mesh between 'Turk's heads', in its wooden scabbard covered with crimson fabric, formed with a pronounced moulding at the mouth, and with gold-coloured metal mounts comprising locket, middle-band and chape, the former two incorporated stylised fleur-de-lys 89.5 cm; 35 1/4 in blade The present sword was probably designed by Sir Guy Francis Laking and made in the workshops of Felix Joubert in Chelsea, circa 1910 for Seymour Hick's celebrated production of Shakespeare's Richard III. See Laking 1911, pp. 105-8. Another example from this group was sold Christie's South Kensington, 16th July 1997, lot 59. Seymour Hicks made an acclaimed tableau of Richard II at the Coliseum in 1910 where he employed no less than one hundred and eighty soldiers. He was quick to acknowledge the help he received from a number of people including Sir Guy Francis Laking and Felix Joubert, as reported in the Daily Telegraph 5th November 1910. The latter is illustrated here holding the present sword.