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 universally employed decoration in the latter part of the XVth century. It is interesting to note that the pommel on the sword was made hollow and brazed down the side. The grip is a comparatively modern addition. The sword (Fig. 632) can be assigned to about 1450-70, and, like the two swords just described, is of large proportions.

German, end of the first half of XVth century. Collection: Mr. Henry G. Keasby

A large and varying family of swords of the "bastard" proportions owes its origin to Germany; though, curiously enough, certain of the accepted German forms found great favour in Italy. The first of this type that we illustrate is of the simplest form—the pommel octagonal, the quillons straight and of square-shaped section, the blade wide at the hilt, but tapering to a point, eminently suitable for thrusting and so forcing an opening between the joints of a plate suit. The probable date of this weapon, which came from the collection of the late Herr Max Kuppelmayr (Fig. 633), and is now in that of Mr. Henry G. Keasby, is about 1440 to 1460. In the same collection is a splendid thrusting weapon with an exceptionally long grip, fig-shaped pommel, and simple quillons, the ends of which curve downwards. The blade has a deep ricasso. This is probably an