Late 14th Century Hand-and-a-Half Sword -Royal Armouries

Description of the Product

This is an imposingly large hand-and-a-half sword or longsword, probably from the late-14th century. The precise origin of this European sword is unknown, but based on the markings it is likely to be German or possibly Italian. It found its way into the Mamluk arsenal of Alexandria either as a diplomatic gift, war booty, or as a tribute object from the Kingdom of Cyprus to the Sultanate of Egypt. The Crusader state of Cyprus had lost to the Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate, and had to pay heavy annual tributes from 1426 onwards. In Alexandria the sword was inscribed with the Arabic text “Donation to the Arsenal in the frontier city of Alexandria, the well-guarded”. From there it made its way into at least one private collection, before being acquired by the Royal Armouries.

This big knightly sword features a broad and powerful Oakeshott Type XVIa blade. It is quite a heavy sword by the standards of the day, due to the length and breadth of the blade, but it is wonderfully balanced thanks to the distal taper, the long grip and the large pommel. Similar swords can be seen extensively in late-14th and early-15th century art, including manuscripts and knightly effigies and brasses.

Such swords were popular at this time all over Europe, from England to Italy, from Portugal to Poland, and they are featured in a number of contemporary fighting treatises like Il Fior di Battaglia by Fiore dei Liberi (c.1410). These versatile swords were used both on foot as well as mounted, in armour and unarmoured, with one hand or two-handed. This example is an especially powerful cutting weapon and less specialized to the thrust than some other longswords of the time.

This replica closely matches the original in all aspects of form, measurements and manufacture. The pommel is flattened and the square quillions are straight. 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.915. Includes a certificate of authenticity.

• Official, exact replica of Royal Armouries Sword #IX.915
• Original is dated to the late 14th Century
• Includes leather covered wooden scabbard with brass chape
• Overall length: 122 cm
• Blade length: 96 cm
• Handle length: 20,5 cm
• Pommel Length: 5,4 cm
• Point of Balance from the guard: 8 cm
• Blade width at ricasso: 5,2 cm
• Blade width at 40mm from tip: 1,4 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 1,1 cm
• Blade thickness at 40mm from tip: 0,2 cm
• Weight: 1,64 Kg
• Material: 1075 High Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Unsharpened
• 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.