the pommel is of the flattened wheel form, with the deep centres characteristic of those seen on swords of the latter part of the XIVth century. The blade, which is doubly grooved, bears, as an armourer's mark, a dagger.
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Fig. 710. The second Chester sword
Late XVth century
British Museum
For an account of a second and superb sword, which, as we have already stated, formerly hung in St. George's, Windsor, we refer the reader to the description of the city of York's earlier processional sword (Fig. 696) which we have already given.
At the coronation ceremony of the kings and queens of England the sword was ever an important part of the Regalia. Since the coronation of Richard I in 1189 three swords, in addition to the sword of State, have been borne at this great function, and from that time certain nobles have had the privilege of bearing them. The swords are as follows:—Curtana, so called because it was "shortened" by the blunting of its point, hence a sword of Mercy, sheathed; the sword of Justice of the Spirituality, which is obtusely pointed; the sword of Justice of the Temporality, which is sharp at the point; and finally the sword of State. Of these the last alone is actually made use of; being that with which the sovereign is girded after the anointing.
The first of these swords, the Curtana, was formerly borne by the representative of the earldom of Chester, until that earldom was merged in the Crown on the accession of Edward I. In the British Museum are two swords of the earldom of Chester, the finer of the two being a large two-handed sword with a cruciform hilt of copper, once gilt (Fig. 709). In the centre of the grip, executed in champlevé enamel and in their proper colours, are the arms of Edward, Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester (1471-1483). It will be noticed that the achievements are in the correct position when the sword is carried as in a procession, point upwards. In the centre of the octagonal wheel pommel is the Cross of St. George. The British Museum obtained this sword with the original Sir Hans Sloane Collection; but from what source Sir Hans Sloane obtained it there exists no record. It has been accurately
