Genuine Arms and Armor sword??? -- myArmoury.com

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 10:39 am Post subject: Genuine Arms and Armor sword???

I recently found a seller with the following sword and am curious if this is a genuine A&A piece?
The seller’s description is: "Beautiful recreation of Maximilian the 1st's Bastard Sword as crafted by Arms and Armor".

The seller has agreed to stop by the shop and have it checked out, as well, but I hoped someone here might know.

Thanks,
Chris

Jeffrey Faulk · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 10:55 am Post subject:

Lordy no. Not if it's what's in the second picture; first one is too dim to really make out a whole lot.

This is the only one on their website that has a Maximilian I label:

http://arms-n-armor.com/custom918.html

Now I won't discount that they may have made some swords of broadly similar shape, but those cast metal fittings... I don't think so. More likely this is a cheap tourist-grade sword from the 70s or 80s, possibly Spanish made.

Craig Johnson · Industry Professional

Yep that's one of ours. An oldy by the looks of it. Looks like its been through a bit as well.

Craig

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I remember that sword. It was in some of the first paper catalogs that you guys would send out. I love the fittings.

Jeffrey Faulk · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 11:16 am Post subject:

...well never mind then Happy

A very old one huh? That did occur to me, but I wasn't sure.

Mea culpa then!

Mikko Kuusirati · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 11:18 am Post subject:

How accurate a reproduction is it, if you don't mind me asking? And which Maximilian I? Happy

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 11:22 am Post subject: Re: A&A oldy

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 12:03 pm Post subject:

What would any of you pay for this? Blade has surface rust but I should be able to clean it up...

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 1:12 pm Post subject:

$180 cash. Good weight, full tang with screw-on pommel. Will update once I have more time.

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 3:36 pm Post subject: update

I'll add some decent photos later tonight but here is what I know, thus far:
This is a great blade. Very high quality with plenty of spring but doesn't feel like a whip. Nice "beefy" full-tang construction.

This thing is a beast! Feels fairly blade heavy and not nearly as nimble as my Hanwei Tinker Bastard. It is quite a bit longer, however.

It'll get some much needed TLC but I just gave it a good Scotch-Brite and oiling. Most of the surface rust was removed but the is some pitting from years of neglect. The original owner purchased it directly from the Arms and Armor shop in the late '90's (1996-1998?). At some point very soon, I'd like to have Craig take a look at it and see if he can do something about the pitting.

The handle "feels" awful and is covered in a suede. I imagine that will be a fall/winter project.

Overall specs, as measured by me:
Overall Length 46.5"
Blade Length 37"
Weight 3.35 lbs
Point of Balance 5" from guard

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I would have bought that thing in a heartbeat if I was local and could have picked it up. I doubt they'd have shipped it. It's a great deal, really. Grips are an easy thing to replace and a new ones goes a long way to making a sword look completely different: a huge upgrade.

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 6:52 pm Post subject:

Here are some quick photos after the preliminary clean up. I have still have a long way to go but she's ready to hang on the wall. I can tell that this is going to be a spectacular sword, once I'm done with it.

After disassembly, I notice that the grip is asymmetrical and that the pommel was cast/machined just a bit crooked. With that said, this will be a great project for a new grip.

For $180, I feel like this is a phenomenal deal!

Photobucket image

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 6:55 pm Post subject: Old photos from 1993 catalog

Man, that was a great buy! Seriously nice find, great price too.

I was inspired to grab my A&A catalog from 1993, from when I first encountered the guys at a renaissance festival. I'll always wonder if Craig or Chris were manning the booth that day.

Anyhow, here are the only photos of the Maximillian sword in question, straight from the catalog from days of yore. It would be improved by a better hilt, but I'm sure the blade and fittings are pretty good considering their age and use. Enjoy!

BTW First picture the Max sword is on the far left, number 80, next to the earlier incarnation of the Schloss Erbach<-----DOH! It's actually the German Bastard Sword! A&A Fanboy license revoked pending review!!

Chris Balmer · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Old photos from 1993 catalog

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Mon 19 Sep, 2016 7:01 pm Post subject:

Aarrgghh! FROM MY POST IT'S ACTUALLY NEXT TO THE GERMAN BASTARD SWORD!!!

Eek!

(fanboy license status?)

Anyhow, enjoy it and yeah give us more pictures when you are done with the renovating!

Arne G. · Posted: Tue 20 Sep, 2016 6:59 pm Post subject:

A fine acquisition! I would have bought that without hesitation had I seen it.

Are there any details on the original this is based upon? Books with photos, or at least which museum it is in?

Chris Balmer · Posted: Tue 20 Sep, 2016 7:28 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure. Hopefully, Craig Johnson will chime in and shed some light.

Chris Balmer · Posted: Thu 22 Sep, 2016 7:31 pm Post subject:

Here are a few quick shots of the pommel and guard after being polished in my ammunition reloading tumbler for 3-4 hours. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the results. This weekend, i'll work on polishing the blade, as well.
Photobucket image

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Looks great. You scored a good deal.

For what it's worth, the sword in question is a greatly simplified version of the swords of the family shown here.