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Oliver Cromwell Sword – 17th Century Mortuary Hilt Replica - Outlet
Step straight into the turmoil of the 17th century, a time when Roundheads and Cavaliers clashed across the British Isles. This magnificently crafted sword is a faithful replica of the weapon reportedly carried by Oliver Cromwell himself during the Battle of Drogheda in 1649. While the original is carefully preserved in the Royal Armouries in Leeds, you can own this masterpiece by Hanwei. It is a quintessential "Mortuary Sword"—a basket-hilted backsword that stands out for its elegance and lethal functionality. With a blackened guard adorned with gold floral patterns and a hilt wrapped in genuine ray skin, this weapon is the jewel of any collection. Whether you are a history enthusiast or looking for a striking décor piece, this sword will not disappoint. Further product information ...
Oliver Cromwell Sword – 17th Century Mortuary Hilt Replica
An Icon of the English Civil War
This style of sword, often called a Mortuary Sword, allegedly earned its name from the legend that the basket design resembled the ribcage or death mask of the executed King Charles I. Regardless of the legend's veracity, these weapons were extremely popular among cavalry officers in the mid-17th century. Oliver Cromwell, leader of the "Ironsides" and later Lord Protector, was a practical man who required a reliable weapon. This sword combines excellent hand protection provided by the enclosed basket with a long, straight blade suitable for cuts from horseback as well as thrusts.
Craftsmanship and Details
Striking at first glance is the blackened steel basket guard, decorated with delicate gold ornamentation. Historically, this contrast was not merely aesthetic—blackening helped protect the intricate guard from rust in harsh field conditions. The grip is crafted from wood and covered in genuine ray skin (often historically referred to as sharkskin), secured with wire wrapping. This material ensures an unrivaled grip that won't slip, even in a sweaty palm or gloved hand. As the original scabbard did not survive, this sword comes with a scabbard designed to match the period style—a leather-covered wood core with steel fittings.
Specifications
| Overall Length | approx. 43.5 inches |
| Blade Length | approx. 32.75 inches |
| Handle Length | approx. 6 inches |
| Blade Thickness at Guard | approx. 0.23 inches |
| Weight | approx. 3 lbs 3 oz |
| Blade Material | Forged Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material | Ray skin (Same) with wire wrap |
| Product Number (SKU) | SH1049 |
Care and Maintenance
To keep your sword in pristine condition, treat it with the respect due a historical artifact. The blade is made of carbon steel, which means it is susceptible to rust. Wipe the blade with a dry cloth after handling and apply a thin coat of protective oil (such as mineral oil or gun oil). Keep the ray skin handle dry; it is a durable natural material, but prolonged exposure to moisture can damage it. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the brass or blackened parts to avoid stripping the gold decoration.
Safety Warning
This replica is made from high-quality steel, but it is primarily intended as a collector's item. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, please regard this as Class C according to the classification of reenactment weapons – product without warranty! (You can find more details on classification in our magazine). The blade may be sharp or have a geometry not suitable for blade-on-blade contact. Use it for drills, decoration, or costume wear, but not for full-contact combat, as this could lead to irreparable damage.
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