I asked Arms and Armor of Minnesota to make a sword based on A492, a German Bastard sword residing in the Wallace Collection. According to the Entry on their website, the hilt was made around 1530/1540 in Germany. The current blade was added towards the end of the 16th Century. The fullers bear the inscription, "Signor". I don’t know the significance of the word – perhaps the owner’s name for the sword? – “Don’t mess with Signor!” It won’t appear on the A&A version, though most of the other markings will be there on the type XIX blade.

On looking a little closer at this sword, I found that it was somewhat smaller than what I wanted - with a 1.1 inch wide by 33 inch long blade – in some ways very rapier-like. We decided to upsize it a bit in all dimensions, making it more like a German bastard sword, while still keeping the overall form. It was more complicated than simply making everything larger while keeping the same dimension ratio between the different parts – that made the sword very heavy. So this design is more a sword inspired by A492 than a re-creation of it.

Here is the Wallace collection photo of A492, and a few taken by Zach Luna when he visited the museum.

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Photo by Zach Luna

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Photo by Zach Luna

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photo by Zach Luna

Here are a few photos by A&A of the nearly completed sword. On looking at these photos, we decided that the fuller should be extended down the blade a ways, and the chaser lines that parallel it on many XIX's should be added. As you can see, it is rather different than the A492, but still mighty nice.

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Here are a few photos that Craig took after the chaser lines were added.

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But you ask, where are the physical specs?

Specs: in inches

OL – 46.625
BL – 35.875
Grip – 7.5
BW at Ricasso – 1.5 - not much profile taper, as it's a XIX
COG – 3
COP -23
Quillon length – 10
Weight – 4.039 lbs

Blade thickness/distal taper –
At Ricasso - .250
30% down blade - .156
65% down blade - .125
95% down blade - .094
62% overall distal taper

Hi Roger,

We talked about this via email, but I wanted to say again how incredibly envious I am of this project. I'm glad it has gone home to you, of course, but I would be very happy to own that sword myself.

Thank you for sharing.

I like it!

I have a German bastard sword where the guard is loosely based on A492 but yours is much nicer.

Congratulations on a beautiful piece

The whole sword is great but I love that pommel the most.

This is a stunning sword! Congratulations! Stuff like this makes me want to get some later period stuff again...

I've always wondered about whether long slender blades like the A492 original would handle decently as long-hilted rapiers in one hand. I guess I'll have to save up and commission one to find out for sure....

Very cool... Particularly like the detailing on the pommel.

Can you tell me some about the grip wrap? Is that just a spiral riser under leather?

That is stunning. I was just emailing Craig about a similiar commission, XIX blade, side ringed hilt, but a little larger than your bastard sword. This makes me jones for that piece. I am saving my couch change. They really do excellent work.

When you get it in hand, I would be very interested in how it handles. Especially the waggle test.

Congratulations on a beautiful piece! Last year I commissioned an AT through Tried and True, and I was able to request the hilt furniture. Nothing like seeing your visions made into steel by craftsmen who really know their stuff. This complex hilted bastard is however, if you'll indulge me, a "cut" above.

Wow-y, Wow, Wow.

That thing is seriously slick. Great vision to ask for something like that to be created. Just plain stunning execution of the plan on A&A's part! :D :cool: :D

Roger, this is absolutely spectacular! Many many congrats, and I'm glad I was able to add a bit of the reference material that resulted in such an incredible project. It's almost TOO pretty. :p :D

Thanks, Zach, your photos were very helpful. Also, a big thanks to Nathan, who was instrumental in the development of this project.

Nathan's not the only one who's envious. That's a beautiful piece that oozes character. Much envy on this side of the computer screen.

That is beautiful. Makes me excited about my project I have going with A&A for over 4 years now...

Congrats on a seriously accurate and detailed beauty.

Roger really impressive looking sword and congratulation in being the proud and happy owner.

Also, great craftsmanship and raw talent and expertise shown, as usual, by A&A.