this set of manuscripts contain some of the coolest swords and choppy things since the Mispronounceski bible (Maciejowski Bible Just humour, no slur intended)
http://manuscriptminiatures.com/search/?year=...ew=gallery

Does anyone know the manuscript? It appears to me to be something to do with the first crusade and the Capture of Jerusalem?

Mackenzie

I was going to ask you guys about the curved blades.

When I hover my mouse over the pictures I see - KA20 Spieghel Historiael f 213v - could this be the manuscript/folio name/number. Hope this helps track it down.

One thing I noticed..on the seventh pic from top..two of the knights seem to be using their swords in a dagger-like, stabbing fashion. They are def using swords, not daggers ( daggers can be seen in use in the sixth pic). I realise we can't take manuscript illustrations as gospel regarding weapons-use, but has anyone seen swords used in similar ways in other illustrations ?

I think the characters using curved swords are supposed to be representing Turks or Saracens. Curved swords were often the distinguishing mark of Saracens in manuscripts.

in doing a quick search Spieghel historiael translates to the mirror of history by an author (Jacob van Maerlant) that is writing a collection of history this link i found (quite quickly) http://collecties.meermanno.nl/handschriften/showmanu?id=1205 give a brief description of some of the panels shown.

i find the blade in the 4th panel interesting. it looks like some kind of falchion blade with a really pronounced outward curve and returns with a slight sweep back. the ridge also seems to illustrate that it's bevels are definitely on the inside of that curve. man that's chopper there.

Past halfway down there is an image of what looks clearly like a man wearing scale armor.

http://manuscriptminiatures.com/spieghel-historiael-ka-20/213/