16th Century Cinquedea -Royal Armouries

Description of the Product

During the Renaissance there was suddenly emerged section of society that was not nobility, and yet were very wealthy, which made civilian self-defense weapons increasingly commonplace. An interesting type of weapon sometimes carried during this time had a broad blade and was somewhere between a large dagger and a short sword. This weapon was known by several names, but in Italy it was called a cinquedea in reference to the five-finger width of its blade. Surviving specimens can be found with blades that range considerably in length.

The cinquedea in the Royal Armouries is an example of one having a longer blade, dating to around 1500-1530. While Cinquedea were often carried as civilian sidearms, and some examples were highly decorated, this example is relatively plain and workmanlike, and could have been carried as a military sidearm by someone like an infantryman or a gunner.

The impressively broad blade has a complex transition from three fullers at the guard to two fullers at the tip. The fullers together with a thin and distally tapered cross-section make this a very light and fast weapon for its size. The blade is stamped with a twig mark, which also appears on many other edged weapons from the same period.

This replica has faithfully copied all aspects of the form and measurements of the original, the most interesting of which is the unique hilt construction. The ingenious guard with downward sloping quillons is made of various components welded together, as in the original. The heel of the blade extends through the guard and is riveted to it. The blade heel and rivet heads are then ground flush with the guard and the whole assembly is polished. This method provides exceptional strength and durability. The blade also has a full tang, with hardwood grip scales and decorative brass filigree inlaid rivets.

The sheath is made with a wood body and covered with leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass chape that features ornate cut-outs and an acorn tip. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso. The original can be seen in the Royal Armouries Collection, Object Number IX.148.

• Official, exact replica of Royal Armouries Sword #IX.148.
• Original is dated to around 1500-1530
• Includes leather covered wooden scabbard with brass chape
• Overall length: 79,7 cm
• Blade length: 65 cm
• Handle length: 10 cm
• Pommel Length: 4,7 cm
• Point of Balance (from the guard): 12,4 cm
• Blade width at ricasso: 8cm
• Blade width 40mm from tip: 3,1 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 4 mm
• Blade thickness 40mm from tip: 3 mm
• Weight: 920 g
• Material: 1075 High Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Unsharpened
• Includes a certificate of authenticity
• Manufacturer: Windlass Steelcrafts

About Royal Armouries - Windlass Steelcrafts - Matt Easton Collection

The Royal Armouries, the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, has granted Windlass Steelcrafts license to reproduce historically important weapons from the museum's collection. These will be accurate replicas based on meticulous study of the originals.

Each of these swords has been developed under the guidance of the Master of the Armouries and the museum's team of researchers and curators, who meticulously measured and weighed each original sword and carefully and thoroughly examined these reproductions to ensure the construction and specifications match the original piece.

This new collection comprises a set of six historical swords, manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts. Using the finest steel and materials, forged by the most skilled craftsmen using traditional methods and modern 1080 high carbon steel, the Royal Armouries collection is truly history brought to life. Every aspect of the original artifact has been considered in production, to deliver the most authentic experience. Whether it be the weight, proportions, edge profiles or feeling in the hand, these replicas are in a class of their own.

The Royal Armouries Collection is brought to you as a collaboration between the Royal Armouries, Windlass Steelcrafts and sword expert Matt Easton.