An impressive longsword or imposingly large hand-and-a-half sword, probably from the late fourteenth century.
The precise origin of this European sword is unknown, but based on the markings it is likely to be of German or possibly Italian origin . It arrived at the Alexandria Armory as a diplomatic gift, war booty or as an object of homage from the Kingdom of Cyprus to the Sultanate of Egypt, where it bore an inscription in Arabic. From then on it became part of at least one private collection, before being subsequently acquired by the Royal Armouries.
The sword of this great knight features a wide and powerful Oakeshott Type XVI blade of 97 cm. It is a rather heavy sword by the standards of the time, due to the length and width of the blade, but it is wonderfully balanced thanks to the distal cone, long hilt and large hilt. Swords similar to this one can be seen widely in late fourteenth- and early fifteenth-century art, including manuscripts and also on chivalric effigies and bronzes.
Swords like this were very popular at the time throughout Europe, from England to Italy, from Portugal to Poland, and appear in several contemporary fighting treatises such as the Fior di Battaglia de Fiore delli Liberi (1410). They were worn on foot and on horseback, with or without armor, with one or two hands. This example is an especially powerful slashing weapon and less specialized in thrusts than other longswords of the time.
The scabbard is made with a wooden body and covered in leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass ferrule. At the mouth of the hem, the leather extends upwards and covers part of the guard.
Our replica matches the original in every aspect of shape, measurement, and workmanship.
Manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts, the original can be seen in the Royal Armouries Collection, Number IX.915.
Includes Certificate of Authenticity.
SPECIFICATIONS :
- Total length : 123cm
- Blade length : 97 cm
- Width of the Ricasso blade : 5 cm
- Distal cone blade: 0.39 cm
- Weight : 1.420g
- Material: High Carbon Steel, 1075
- Edge: Double edge with bevel, not sharp
- Balance point : 9.3 cm from the guard
Manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts®
Official product licensed by Royal Armouries. The name Royal Armouries is a registered trademark of Royal Armouries. All rights reserved. The Royal Armouries is the National Museum of Arms and Armor of the United Kingdom.
