Spread through Europe by Venetian merchants, the Schiavona pattern sword was rugged enough for martial use, while remaining light and fast enough for civilian applications, becoming popular in both markets. This particular example, measuring 43 3/4 inches overall, has a 38 inch long, double edged blade with dual short fullers marked 'NO ME SAQUES SIN RAZON" on the right and "NO ME ENBAINES SIN HONOR", a saying found on many Spanish blades, which translates to "Do not draw me without reason" and "Do not sheath me without honor". The blade is further decorated with a shining sun on the right, a crescent moon with three stars on the left, and light borders around the text. Iron crossguard, with a side-turned rear quillion, fitted with a right handed thumbrest and a series of iron strips, flaring out from the front quillion to form a basket guard, and reconverging near the rear quillion. Fitted with a twisted wire wrapped leather grip and a flattened "cat head" profile pommel with raised grotesque face decoration. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

Fine, showing a gray patina overall, darker in the protected areas and on the guard, with scattered spotting, mild handling marks, and a few dings on the blade edge. A tiny chip is visible at the tip. Some light wear is visible on the grip, and a small amount of looseness in the guard. The grip and pommel are both firmly secured to the blade.