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 shows the ordinary Northern European wheel pommel of the early years of the XIVth century in combination with the strongly drooping quillons of the Hispano-Moorish type. This sword was dug up near Granada. It is now in the collection of Mr. Felix Joubert

First half of XVth century. With single finger-ring beneath the quillons. Collection: Baron de Cosson

Probably German, second half of XVth century. Showing a double-grooved back-edged blade. Collection: Author

In the third quarter of the XVth century the plain cruciform hilted sword, which has retained its position persistently throughout the centuries we have traversed, commences to acquire counter guards, which, simple at first, become, with the advance of the XVIth century and the development in the science of sword play, more and more complicated as necessity required. In the earlier part of this chapter we have alluded to the introduction of the single ring through which the forefinger passed which directed the blow or thrust, merely mentioning the date of its first appearance in a picture; but at this stage we think it well to give illustrations of a few actual swords on which the first counter guards figure. The formation of the hilt of the first sword of the kind we illustrate (Fig. 667) would indicate the first half of the XVth century as its date. The pommel, which is hollow, made of four pieces brazed together, is of wheel form, very thin and slightly convex; the quillons are short and straight, widening slightly towards the ends, but showing the introduction of the semicircular guard for the forefinger—in fact the very first counter guard. The type of blade in the hilt, to which it undoubtedly belongs, is also note-*worthy; for it has the ricasso, a most unusual feature at this epoch. Now as