This sword features an extensive inlay down both fullers. Oakeshott has a drawing of a portion of the better preserved side in Records of the Medieval Sword. Does anybody know if the full inlay is published anywhere? The original sword is on the Museum of Glasgow's website, however the patina makes it impossible to see the inlay clearly.

If anyone could help me out, I'd be very appreciative.

http://collections.glasgowmuseums.com/starobject.html?oid=154400

Quote:

This unusual medieval sword dates from the first half of the twelfth century. Many other swords from this period survive, but this one bears a mysterious inscription inlaid in gold. ------------ This sword has the letter ‘BOAC’ repeated down the length of the blade, surrounded by symbols including circles containing crosses. ----------- The letters are likely to be the abbreviation of a Latin phrase because between the ‘O’ and the ‘A’ there is a slash-like mark that was used to represent the common Latin term que, usually meaning ‘and’ or ‘is’.

Thanks for the reply. I've emailed the museum asking for high quality photos. Hopefully they come through. :)

Last year I commissioned a replica of the BOAC sword from Records of the Medieval Sword from Canadian smith Jeff Helmes. The sword is almost done, so I thought I'd share some in progress pictures of it. :)

The blade is 27 inches long, the blade material is a mix of 1045 and wrought iron, the inlay is silver, and the design on the scabbard is inspired by a combination of the design from the back of the Lewis Chessmen and a Liturgical comb from the 12th century.

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Some full length shots....

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I couldn't be more envious right now. That is magnificent! Jeff is really talented. Great choice for a repro. Kudos all around.

Very interesting and nice sword! Inlay looks great! Just one question though, is that a natural pattern of a folded iron and steel or is it manipulated in some way?

THis is really beautiful Taylor!

Really a fascinating historic example. I imagine that the handling is really interesting and different from other pieces of the period.

THis is a fabulous and unique sword for your collection.

Hello ,

Thanks everyone for the compliments . This was a fun and challenging project and I greatly enjoyed working with Taylor . I just wanted to clarify that combination of materials I have used in the blade was 1095 and wrought iron, not 1045 and iron, which would have left the blade with too little carbon to harden. So there is no confusion , I also just wanted to mention that the etch was for esthetic purposes to bring out the character of the steel. Unetched, the sword looked much like modern mono steel. I don't think that there is any evidence to sugest that actual period swords similar to this one were etched but as a bladesmith I enjoy being able to expose the uniqueness of the steel in this way. :)

Congratulations Jeff (and Taylor). Another beautiful piece of work!

The finished sword...

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This is a fabulous set-up.

Beautiful from top to bottom.

Taylor

Great sword, do you have stats you can share?

Overall Length
Blade Length
Blade Width
Crossguard Width
Grip Length
Weight

Do you know how the stats compare to the original?

Thanks

Danny

Hi Danny, I don't actually have the sword yet, tese photos are what Jeff sent me.
As soon as I do, I'll let you know. :)

The 2 page spread is from "The Real Fighting Stuff Arms and Armour at Glasgow Museums" by Tobias Capwell.

There's a bit of a write up on the sword in the softcover book.

My copy unfortunately is falling apart, some of the pages have come completely loose from the binding. Many more are starting to come loose as well.

Tobias, do you have any stats on the original sword?

Thanks

Danny