Crossguard

[citation needed] There are many examples of crossguards on Sasanian Persian Swords beginning from the early 3rd century.

[citation needed] Early crossguards were straight metal bars, sometimes tapering towards the outer ends.

A feature of such late medieval forms is the cusp or écusson, a protrusion of the crossguard in the center where it is fitted on the blade.

A later example is the "Monza sword" of Estore Visconti (early 15th century), where the rain-guard is of silver and decorated with a floral motif.

After the end of the Middle Ages, crossguards became more elaborate, forming first quillons and then, through the addition of guard branches, the basket hilt, which offered more protection to the unarmored hand.