Francis Drake Sword

English decorative sword Corsair and Vice Admiral Sir Francis Drake. Made by the prestigious Spanish firm Toledo, Marto. Round knob with decor to match with the guard and forearm. Stainless steel sheet deep engraving. Sir Francis Drake, vice admiral (1540 –1596) was an English sea captain, privateer, navigator, slaver, and politician of the Elizabethan era. Drake carried out the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition, from 1577 to 1580. Elizabeth I of England awarded Drake a knighthood in 1581. He was second-in-command of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada in 1588. He died of dysentery in January 1596 after unsuccessfully attacking San Juan, Puerto Rico. His exploits were legendary, making him a hero to the English but a pirate to the Spaniards to whom he was known as El Draque. King Philip II was said to have offered a reward for his life. More information...