Arms & Armor English Longsword
Original: Circa 1450
The most distinctive aspect of this sword is its pommel—a Type "U" style as defined by the late
Ewart Oakeshott in his typologly. This type is often referred to as "key-shaped" as it resembles a 19th century watch key, but can perhaps be better described as a flattened pear shape.
The gently arched cross-guard is decorated with small circles and incised lines. The grip, wide at the cross and sloping towards the pommel, is a wooden core covered in pigskin with an underlay of cording that creates a cross pattern.
These unique swords of the late 15th century can be seen sculpted on many German effigies. This particular sword is based on an example in the Zürich Landesmuseum. As the original is severely corroded, the details on this example are inspired by a Flemish painting that is on loan to the National Gallery of Scotland from Her Majesty the Queen, to complete the piece.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this sword.
Overall length: 43"
Weight: 2.65 pounds
Width of guard: 7.5"
Blade: 33.25" long, 1.75" wide at base
Grip and pommel: 9.25"
Point of Balance (PoB): 5.625" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21.5" from guard
Maker:
Arms & Armor of Minnesota.
This item has been retired from the collection.
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