Swept-hilted rapier excavated at Jamestown.
Those used at Plymouth would have been similar.
National Park Service.
The cutting swords of Governor Carver, Elder Brewster and John Thompson.
Quillon or left-hand dagger.
A third surviving cutting sword preserved at Pilgrim Hall is a broad-sword which belonged to John Thompson who came to Plymouth in 1623. Like the Carver sword, this weapon also dates from the opening years of the 17th century. The hilt is smaller, but the metal parts are of iron decorated with the same typically English floral sprays in silver. The blade on this specimen, however, is what sets it apart. It is much longer and double-edged, a sword suitable for use on horseback as well as on foot.