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Basket Hilts: Basket hilts, known in both England and Scotland by the mid-16th century, are originally associated with a long straight double-edge blade—the broadsword. The basket pattern was also later adapted by the English for their mounted troops. Many basket hilts for various blade types have been recovered from 17th-century Virginia archaeological sites.
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Pommels: The larger, oval, ball-type pommel is associated with the English double-edged broadsword and the basket hilt.
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Hanger Guards: Shell guards are more likely to be found on the English hanger, a short sword with at least one cutting edge, originally used by infantrymen.
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Dagger Guard: Any sheathed knife may be called a dagger, but it came to refer to a double-bladed small knife, effective as a thrusting and stabbing weapon.
Updated April 11, 2018
