Hello guys, I was wondering if anyone could help me with a question regarding scabbards for swords, I have just bougth an 15th century Albion Mercenary sword and I would like to make a scabbard for it but an earlier 12-13th century scabbard type is much easier to make and so I’m wondering if this would be historically accurate or not? Was it down to preferences or would such an old style of carying a sword be totally out of fashion?

No, scabbards in the 14th and 15th century are not hung in the same way as scabbards in the 12th or 13th century, fashion changed every few decades and the leather wore out and needed replacing.

People today hang Oakeshott XVa swords in a variety of ways, but here are three common western European solutions from 1360 to 1410.

[ Linked Image ]

Thank you for your help! A scabbard like this would be totally inaccurate then?

https://todsworkshop.com/collections/historical-sword-scabbards/products/medieval-z

That looks like its based on the scabbard of Sancho IV of Castille who died in 1295. Poke around on Effigies and Brasses for yourself, but I think you will have trouble finding similar swordbelts after 1330.

Its a good idea to look at medieval art and artifacts for inspiration, not reproductions.

Got my beauty today!

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

Congratulations, fellow Norwegian :D

The Mercenary is a great sword, and you did it good justice with those photos, sword photography is so much fun.

Out of curiosity, is this the one that has been on Finn for over a year? I was really surprised when I saw an Albion on there, and fairly priced as well, would have jumped on it if I didn't already have a Merc.

I can't help you much with details about correct scabbards, sadly..I'm just going to go with a standard longsword suspension for mine from Tod, when money allows, but I'll keep an eye on this topic for sure to see what others say.

Thank you very much! :D

Yes I love it, and thanks again ;)

You are absolutly correct my friend, I wanted it for some time and finally it was mine
Awesome! Where in the kingdom are you located? I live in Haugesund

I think I have an idea now on how the correct scabbard should look and I need to make some buckles and hardware, I have made a cople of scabbards before but not a late one for a sword like this

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ][/img]

Those scabbards look great!

I live quite far up the coast from you in a village named Aure.
You are gonna forge/cast your own buckles as well? That's quite impressive, look forward to seeing it!

Thank you very much!

Ahh I see, well you should take a trip to Avaldsnes outside Haugesund Sunday 8th of September if you get a chance :D Guess you probably know about the viking festival we have here too?

https://opplevavaldsnes.no/middelalderfestival-2/

I think I will make some buckles by hand and silver solder it all together, hopefully it will be the way I want it :)