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 The pommel is of the Brazil nut form, but much developed; the quillons, which like the pommel are fashioned in silver-gilt, are rectangular in section and of considerable length.

The pommel is engraved on either side with a shield of arms, one charged with the Romano-Germanic eagle, the other with a demi-eagle and three leopards, arms adopted by the Emperor Otto IV (1198-1215). The latter English device was doubtless in compliment to King John of England, with whom he was in alliance against Philip II (Augustus) of France. The lower edge of the pommel bears the inscription: [Dominus] [Deus] ; whilst on the quillons runs the inscription: [imperat]. The scabbard is of wood with seven plaques of gold on either side, embossed and chased with figures of crowned kings. Between these are small plaques set with translucent enamel and cabouchon stones. The blade is grooved and of XIIIth century type, much resembling an example in the Imperial Armoury of Vienna (Fig. 120) formerly ascribed as belonging to the close of the XIIth century by reason of its bearing a mark—a heart, stars, and a cross—such as is seen on a sword blade at Dresden reputed to have been the property of a Swabian knight, Schenk von Winterstetten, who died in 1213. We cannot help feeling, however, that from the general character of the Vienna Armoury blade it is of later date, apart from the arrangement of letters,, together with a primitive helm and a shield inlaid in brass, which might well have been added in the latter part of the XIIIth century.

(1199-1252)

G 21, Royal Armoury, Madrid

A blade of the same period, and very much of the same character save that it has a groove running its full length, is in the Armoury of Madrid (Fig. 121); but in this case the very much rubbed lettering found in the groove can be read as follows:, ,. It sounds a sufficiently puzzling cryptogram, but according to the late Conde de Valencia it is in reality part