I have an embarrassment of riches in progress, or on the way, and wanted to share the preliminary results on 3 projects.

1. A sword by Patrick Barta inspired by XX.4 of Oakeshotts's Records of the Medieval Sword

This sword was ordered between 3 and 4 years ago. It has just been finished, and should be on the way soon.

2. A sword by Peter Lyon inspired by XVIII.8 of Records.

This sword was ordered at least 6 years ago, and Peter then slowed production down a lot because of his film work. He recently has some time, and has been working on my sword. It is almost finished.

3. An Arms and armor hollow ground Henry V, with a reproduction of the pommel as it was done (a solid disc, with hollow "sides" attached). This one has been in progress since last fall, and should be finished soon.

I am very excited. The first two are my two favorite swords from Records, and I think these versions will reflect the originals, but have something of their maker about them. The old non hollow ground solid pommel A&A Henry V that I own was my first "real" sword, and has long been one of my favorites. I have always wanted to experience what the actual sword would feel like, however, since it was one of Oakeshott's favorites. Now I hope to...


I have finished pics of 1 from Patrick Barta, and in progress pics of 2 from Peter Lyon. More details as they start to arrive, or when I get more updates from the makers.

Look for a few items up for sale from me in the near future - I did not expect them to all come in within a few days of each other!

Gordon

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Oh wow Gordon VERY nice. When did you say those swords were coming in again and through what port? What will the packaging look like? Will you be so very sad if they don't show up... ;)

Congratulations on the new acquisitions.
I love the Barta sword. I've thought about having a version of this sword made myself, as it is my own personal favourite from Records. To see a finished reproduction of this quality makes me want it even more. Maybe when Rob Miller has finished the sword that he is currently making me I'll have to start discussing this one with him. Beautiful sword!
I see that you also have the HG Henry V on order. We must share similar taste when it comes to these late medieval swords, as this was the first one that I ordered from Arms & Armor. I've mentioned before on these boards what a great little sword it is, so I'm sure that you'll enjoy it when it arrives.
I've also had the same experience, at the start of this year, with pieces that I tried to order in a staggered fashion arriving close together. So much for sensible planning :) It's great to receive the stuff, but a bit of a pain for the poor old credit card.
Again, congratulations on what look to be three great swords.

Cheers,
Darrin.

A hearty congratulations to you Gordon,

Your Barta sword looks spectacular- the form is beautiful and the fine grip leather work show his skill. I bet you can't wait to get this in hand. Will you be doing any light cutting with it? I imagine this is a difficult decision.

The Peter Lyons sword is also very striking and impressive. I am looking forward to more pictures. Also looking forward to your upcoming A&A piece which should be excelling.

So it;s a good day to be you!

Jeremy

Wow, Gordon, those are some fantastic acquisitions! The Barta piece in particular is amazing, but I can't say anything bad about the Lyon's piece, either. :) And having owned the standard Henry V, I'm certain your custom version will be top notch. We definately need to get together sometime for some show and tell!

Both very exciting pieces, congratulations! I have not seen anything similar to either in recent memory.
I don't even remotely want to know what either of them cost though...

Congratulations on your swords, they are both visually stunning, and they'll surely behave accordingly to the skill of their makers.
Aestethically, the sword design you ordered to Peter Lyon is the one I find a bit more attractive, but I'm subjectively speaking, of course.
I don't know if it's rude to ask how much did they cost, but to put it another way...

What price-ranges do these swordsmiths work with, in case one should want to order a somewhat similar piece in details and construction?
I didn't find prices on Barta's homepage... Did I miss them or are they given privately, as I suppose?

Thanks!

Guys -

Thanks for the comments. I will have more pictures up in the next weeks.

To vaugely answer the question about price - they are in line with what you would pay for the upper end of the Albion Next Gen and the lower end of the Museum Line (considering, that the Barta sword comes with scabbard). I think they are a relative bargain (with the caveat that i have only seen pictures), but still expensive by most measures. However, remember that the prices were basically negotiated years ago (so that any similar sword ordered now might reflect inflation), and that the wait time is several years, when you can even get on their list.

Not that I'm saying that it is not worth it, but immediate satisfaction is not something to expect when ordering a custom sword from many makers.

Basically, I ordered them, eventually mostly forgot about them, and was then a bit stunned (and happy) when I found out they were both being produced, years later, at the same time!

The A&A sword is a shorter turnaround, and "semi production" - though I expect it to be just as nice...

Gordon

As promised - new pics from Peter Lyon. This one should be ready to ship early next week.

It has approx a 34 inch blade, with a black horn grip, as per the original.

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Gordon,these are simply fantastic!! As always I think of Patrick's work as high art, I'm on Patricks list for a reproduction of a Valsgard 7 ring pommel spartha, b ut it looks like I'm gonna have to be incredibly patient. Well done.

Dave

They all look lovely and will certainly give your collection some unique curb appeal. :D

They should both be on the way today or tomorrow.

Finshed pics of the Peter Lyon sword. Nice box - huh?

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Daaaaamn, that's nice! :surprised: I love that Lyon sword.

Well the sword from Patrick Barta arrived today. I will let the pics speak for themselves... except to say, wow.
Statistics soon.
thanks
Gordon

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Ok - can't leave well enough alone. A better shot of the depth of the fullers, and perhaps a better full length shot.

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That Barta piece is stunning.

The black horn grip of the Peter Lyon sword is amazing. I am a sucker for a deep hollow grind as well...what a sweet sword.

*jawdrops*

That Barta piece could kill just by its looks.

Gordon,

I have seen the original XVIII.8 of Records in the Wallace Collection two years ago and fell in love with it. I sketched it, as they did not have a printed catalogue available (later the extremely friendly curator provided me with a large high resolution picture they took for preparing a catalogue).
You cannot imagine my surprise when I saw your Peter Lyon sword here, which resembles the original so much (it has no hollow grinding though).
Congratulations to this beauty and outstanding acquisition (which I no doubt would love to add to my own collection ... )

Ralph