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Internet Sword Collectors Association (ISCA)
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The 5-Ball Hilt in Europe and America
Around the time of the Napoleaonic War, European and American military forces began to utilize a specific style of sword hilt termed the "5-ball" hilt. It was called by this name because it incorporated as decorative feature spheres molded into the knuckleguard and counterguard. These were usually grouped as strings of 3,4 or 5 spheres, one string on the knuckleguard and one on the counterguard. We use the term 5-Ball here as a generic reference to swords who have the characteristics ball patterns in their hilts regardless of the exact number of balls. The style once recognised is quite unique. It was used by both Army and Navy officers, and in Great Britain, France and the United States. It incorporated a number of pommels styles from "pillow" or "cushion" pommel, to Eaglehead pommel, to an urn pommel. The popularity lasted from 1790 to until about 1820 when it was no longer produced. Because of this, the 5-ball hilt pattern can be used in roughly estimating the production date of a sword. Most reference books make note of the 5-ball patterns, but none bring the British, French and US patterns together for a comparison. Please note that the US swords were largly produced in France of Britain as the US did not have a large national sword production capability at this time.
Request for Information
We would like to generate a series of photographed examples of 5-Ball hilted swords. Maker marked or nationally attibutable swords are preferred. Please send us information and photos of your 5-Ball hilts.
Recent Submissions:
The 5 ball design is present on the side loop but not on the knuckle bow. The black stripe on the hilt seems to be ebony and is inlayed into the ivory grip it is repeated on the other side. Hilt is brass with a heavy square cushion style pommel. There is no insert or fretwork inside the the side loop. Blade length is 25" typical for a naval fighting hanger and is of a form similar to the 1788 Light Dragoon sabre (only 11" shorter of course) with parallel wide and narrow fullers and false edge 8" from the point. Maximum curvature from a line extending from point to back is 1". No engraving or makers mark on the blade. The scabbard has a frog stud for a shoulder belt but no centre band and the leather is decorated with a blind tooled pattern of Xs and dots. The hanger compares well with some of the examples measured and described in May's article "The Five Ball Type of Sword Hilt (Journal of the Arms and Armour Society Vol4 No8 1963)
Sir; Some basic information about the "Beaded" or "5-Ball Hilt". This hilt style was first introduced by the British in around 1786, and is called "Pattern 1786" in Brian Robson's "Swords of the British Army". This hilt style was popular with Infantry and Naval Officers and was carried by the Infantry till the 1803 pattern was introduced. The "5-Ball" hilt was in use in France from about 1800, mainly by Naval and Dragoon Officers. It was even described as "a l'anglaise" (in the English style). As for the American market, due to the fact that most of our swords were imported from Britain or France, it would only seem reasonable that the "5-Ball" hilt would appear on our shores. But, this style was not popular in America until the early 1800's and one should wonder if possibly the sword makers of Europe had found a place to dump their load of hilts that they could no longer use in Europe. I have seen and/or owned a sample of each of these kinds of hilts, with the exception of the French swords. And, the dating of them as always been that the British swords were of the earlier production then the American. Not to say that there aren't exceptions out there. I presently own three "5-Ball Eagleheads", and will send pictures and a descriptions of each as soon as I can get the pictures taken and I have time to write up the description for them. I hope that the information that I have provided you will help with the research. If there is any other questions that you may have or help you may need, please feel free to contact me and I will help the best I can. Great web page and information. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, David Cameron Washington
British Officers Five-Ball Spadroon, Model 1786? (Circa 1790). Purchased in New Orleans, LA in 1998. The hilt is gilded brass with most of the gilt intact. The grips are ivory with only a small chip, which has been repaired. There is a gold band around the center of the grips, with what appears to be the letters "MLR" and VA etched on it. It has a pillow shaped pommel. The top of the knuckle bow is pierced with a tape ring attached. The blade is 31 1/2: in length and poor to average and has heavy pitting and numerous nicks along the edge of the blade. There are some faint remnants of floral sprays etched on the blade.
This is a classic example of the British style 5 ball hilt pattern with pillow pommel. The "cigar band" on the grip has engraved lettering. (Mike M.)
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you,
The Internet Sword Collectors Association
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