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The hilt of c. 1670-80, the blade German in spanish style, c. 1600, overall length 96 cm.

Brass hilt, probably originally gilt, consisting of an oval pommel, and a knuckleguard and short curved rear quillon supporting on their junction an oval plate on each face, each linked to the centre of the knuckleguard by a scroll-guard. The cast, chased and pierced decoration includes acanthus calyxes, and panels of scrolling foliage terminating in dragon's heads and centering on cherubic heads. On each face of the quillon end is a small equestrian figure.

Plain, straight blade of flattened-hexagonal section. Struck in the narrow central fuller on the inside is 'BENCEROMORIR', on the outside 'PORLAPATRIA', and on the sides of the ricasso, 'ADERO/ELREI'. There are two marks on the ricasso, a letter P and a letter N, each under a crown.

Wooden scabbard covered in black leather blind-tooled with transverse lines, stars, and chevrons. Brass locket, chape, and frog-hook decorated to match the hilt.

This is the type of hilt used by officers of British cavalry during the wars of William III and Marlborough. Before the blade was cropped during remounting, the inscription on the ricasso would have read 'espadero del rei', indicating that the unidentified blade-smith held the Spanish Royal Warrant.