The end of a
sword's hilt, a counterweight, frequently in the shape of an almond, 'wheel' or faceted element. Normally pommels were made from
iron , left plain or adorned with washed gold, silver, enamels, or precious stones. Sometimes they were made from
latten , and in a few instances they were even made from semi-precious stones. The pommel is an important element in the balance of a *sword, providing the right amount of counterweight to allow the blade to move easily in the wielder's hand.
knob at the top of a sword-hilt, counterbalancing the weight of the blade
