For the last few years, my collecting interests have moved onto complex-hilted Renaissance-era longswords. Some of the projects that have been created for me include a custom "Swiss Saber" from Arms & Armor, an EB Erickson complex hilt from around 1525, a custom German Bastard Sword by Arms & Armor, and a South German longsword made by EB Erickson.

Continuing with this trend, I contacted ElJay Erickson this last year to create another complex hilt that will be mounted onto a longsword blade, probably a variation of an Oakeshott Type XIX. As a means of research, I posted a discussion topic asking for examples of a particular type of hilt that I was considering for the project. After some thought, I decided to go with that direction and so here is the hilt that served as the primary inspiration for this year's project:

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ElJay's hilt arrived a few weeks ago and I finally had a chance to take some photos to share with you. I'll let them speak for themselves, but suffice it to say that I think he nailed it. The impression of the new hilt really captures that of the antiques that inspire it. As usual, ElJay's eye for detail is exceptional.

Photos of the hilt:

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Click any photo to see a full-sized version

Nathan,

I've been having dreams about replicating this particular hilt. This has to be the most beautiful recreation I've seen of such a type.

I'm going to lie down for 30 minutes to recover and bin my worthless sword collection without further due :)

You need a hell of a blade, worthy of such a splendid hilt...and I need to learn to weld asap!

Congratulations to Eljay for this amazing work and to yourself for commissioning such an interesting sword.

Very inspiring.

J

edit: what kind of documentation did you provide Eljay to achieve such a result? Did you have access to the original?
Also are you going to choose a Deltin blade as you've favored those in the past?

Thank you, Julien, for the comments.

Julien M wrote:

I've been having dreams about replicating this particular hilt. This has to be the most beautiful recreation I've seen of such a type.

I agree. I've seen very simplified versions of this hilt that only really resembled these originals in form alone but had none of the decorative elements to them. Along with being simplified beyond recognition, these versions were scaled oddly and had the wrong proportions to them. ElJay's version is the only newly created version of this type of hilt that I can remember seeing that actually resembles the antiques.

Quote:

what kind of documentation did you provide Eljay to achieve such a result? Did you have access to the original? Also are you going to choose a Deltin blade as you've favored those in the past?

ElJay is able to create these swords simply based on photographs combined with his extensive knowledge of antique originals. He's been collecting antiques for decades and so has a solid grasp of proportion, scale, and the proper use of decorative elements that allows him to mimic these antiques so well.

I've only used Del Tin blades on my collection pieces when makers such as ElJay already had a blade that he would then modify and mount up. In other instances, I've had a lot of problems getting my hilts mounted up. I have a hilt currently at Arms & Armor. They are creating a custom blade for it. I intend to go the same route with this hilt, too.

more amazing work from Eljay, and kudos to you for the research and commission. what a craftsman! what a collection!

That is some more great work by ElJay. It's my turn to be envious. So A&A will be making a type XIX blade for it? Have you decided with them how long, how wide, how thick the blade should be?

Hello
That is truely a beauty! Can I have it? :-)

Stunning! Nathan, you choose the most interesting projects and ElJay always follows through. I cannot wait to see the entire package when the blade is added.

When you look at ElJays work, you cannot describe them as any other than magnificent or some similar hyperbole. However most of his work is in a period/style that I am personally not that interested in so I can admire them and him for what they are but ultimately it is not for me.

This piece on the other hand truly speaks to me on so many levels - it is as usual magnificent, but it also catches my soul. The detail is impeccable as is the finish - a truly beatiful piece.

Tod

Stunning work! :eek:

Eljay continues to outdo himself. Such amazing work!

Shiny. Anyway, is there any standard reference comparable to Oakeshott's SAC/Records for this kind of complex-hilted longsword?

What if I'm not looking for a typology--just a book with sufficiently many and representative examples to choose from should I decide to commission such a sword in the future (as I probably will)?

Hello
I wonder,with the blade, how heavy it will be? Meaning, do you think it will be useable with one hand, or will it be a dedicated two hander?

So it's taken me this long to do so, but I finally sent this hilt to Arms & Armor to get a blade made and fitted to it!

and all the people said, "amen." can't wait to see what will be another spectacular whole piece !