I've been looking for a single hander to add to my collection, that is mainly made up of bastards and true longswords. Lately I've been looking at the Albion Next Generation interpretations of the XIX. I would like to know more about the class of sword, but am having trouble finding anything that describes the handling characteristics of such blades. I really would like to know more about this type so if you have any information please post.

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The Condottiere

Information typical of the Type XIX:

Profile: not always so broad, some are quite slim, but always a flat hexagonal section
Cross-section: flat hexagonal with chamfered edges
Average Blade Length: 30"-38"
Fuller: ricasso with narrow fuller in upper 1/3rd of the blade
Point: sharp and spade shaped Grip: single hand to hand and a half
Primary purpose: cutting and thrusting
Period: mid 15th c.

Although I have not had the pleasure (yet) of handling this particular weapon, or any in it's type, I think I have a fairly good idea of how it feels. It should be fairly quick and responsive, but not as point-responsive as some of the other longswords primarily dedicated to the thrust. I feel also that it wouldn't be as begging to hack as is more typical of, say, a Viking sword, primarily a cutting-style blade.

Overall, it should actually be a very versatile blade, lively, and very responsive, effective against a multitude of targets irrespective of armour.

Wish I could have a more definitive and authoritative review... hope this helps.

My only additional comment is that a vast number of different swords can be easily fitted into Type XIX. This means, as Chad noted,that the handling characteristics will vary significantly. For the record, the earliest known type XIX swords are from mid 14th century and their use extends beyond the 16th century. it is a very versatile breed.

Alexi

Hi Ryan,

The Condotierre is on my list too. :D

I did have the opportunity to handle an original of this type long ago. If memory serves this struck me as an attempt at a jack-of-all-trades kind of design. I think Aaron's observations are pretty accurate. It probably won't cut as well as some of the earlier designs that feature cutting surfaces that are very broad, flat, and thin. It won't thrust as well as other designs that are strictly dedicated to that purpose. However, it would do either one sufficiently well that the point is moot.

While Albion's Doge is my favorite of those three designs the Condotierre is more fitting to my purposes.

Sorry I can't add anything in the way of information, but I do really dig the finger ring coming out of the crossguard. This would allow you to "choke up" on the grip and sling your index finger over the guard and against the ricasso: a very effective single-handed technique, while offering protection for the finger. A significant fearture if you're like me and prefer to handle your single-hander in this fashion. :)

I also have my sights set on The Condottiere.

I have 2 XIX's - the ATrim DD1601 and what became known as the Armart S34. From my own experience and posts I have read over the years, I'll say that XIX's can be good but cranky cutters. If you strike outside of the COP, the blade and hilt will vibrate and buzz, more so than some other types. You have to develop a knack for cutting with it - once you do, it may become your favorite sword, but until then it can be frustrating. I remember some years back when Albion was carrying a Gus Trim XIX, some people returned it because they found it too unforgiving and hard to cut with. It wasn't that it was a bad design - far from it. You just had to work with it.

Jeremiah,

The Alexandria sword doesn't have two finger rings because you're not going to loop your thumb and index finger over the guard at the same time. :D

Remember, function first.

Jeremiah,

I'm sure you could get Albion to make you a dual ring guard for a few extra bucks. Something like this, perphaps:
The XIX Version 2.0. :lol: :)

A one-off Condottiere with a second hilt arm would cost more than a few extra bucks

I've been waiting for a sword to jump out at me for awhile, turns out it wasn't just one sword, but the type XIX. It's the first blade to speak to me in awhile so I guess it doesn't matter how it handles. I ONLY say that it doesn't matter because I know Albion doesn't half do anything and they know their stuff. The way a sword feels in hand always depends on the hand anyway.

Thanks for all the replies