Please bear with me on this one... I am sure you are wondering why I am so excited about a very plain-looking sword.

In 1969, I got my first "real" sword -- a huge expense for my Dad at that time (I was 14) and it was my version of the Red Ryder BB gun -- something I drooled over and never really thought I'd get. I saw it at Sears, of all places (and most likely the light shining from above on it was added by my imagination.)

It was made by Wilkinson for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales, limited edition of 1,000. It was numbered and came with a plaque in a crate (who says that things from your childhood don't color the rest of your life?)

It was supposed to be an exact replica of 12th C. sword #1027 from the Tower Armouries (now Leeds.) It was (and still is) one of my most prized possessions (and is hanging in a rack behind me right now.)

Years later, when I saw a photo of the original sword, I realized that "exact replica" was a bit of a stretch. Beautiful sword -- gold-plated hilt components, walnut grip, even peened -- by Wilkinson, but it wasn't even close to #1027, except maybe in spirit.

As a result, I have always wanted sword like #1027, so Peter was kind enough to indulge me and design the Hospitaller to fill that need.

This is a cutter. It screams it.

As Eric would say, the big pommel is what makes this sword sing -- the counterbalance of the big pommel really makes it lively and quick, while losing nothing of its blade presence. I can't wait to cut with this guy.

[ Linked Image ]

More here:

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/ne...ler-xa.htm

Specifications
Total length: 40" (102 cm)
Blade length: 33.75" (86 cm)
Blade width: 1.88" (4.8 cm)
CoG: 5.25" (13 cm)
CoP: 22" (56 cm)
Weight: 2 lbs 10.2 oz (1.2 kilos)

As soon as orders are filled, I'm getting one with a campaign grip. It'll never take the place of my Knight, but the Hospitaller and my Wilkinson will probably hang side by side in my house.

Ok, I'm done now.

Best,

Howy

<SIGH>
You guys are killing me. What with re-modeling the house and saving for Scotland/Ireland next summer I have no spare cash for me. And here you go.......coming out with all these great, beautiful swords. Was just talking about creating a Hospitaller kit. Maybe it's time to sell the baby; anyone out there want a very nice 600hp 1969 GTO? Only had it since '81. <cry>

Greg needs one of those. How often do you drive that car anyway? ;)

My favorite look in a medieval sword is total simplicity. As with the Bayeaux, it's the cruciform-hilt sword in its purest form.

Brian M

These kinds of dreams are a wonderful thing when they become reality. I'm glad this one came true for you, Howy. Another beautiful sword. Thanks to you, and the rest of your talented staff, for providing such works for us to enjoy.

You wouldn't have $600.00 that I could borrow by any chance would you? :D

This is really great. :) Between this and the Bayeaux, I don't know which I like more! :D

Aaron,
Ummmm, let me think about that...ahhh, no. But, thank you soooooo much for your thoughtfulness ;) :p
Of course, the problem is I want(need) more than one sword, IE: Hospitaller, Munich, a different Claymore than I have, etc.

Howy,
I should have said....Thank you! for all the excellent product ideas you folks are coming out with. I'm glad to hear you have a special interest in this one yourself, and that you were able to make it happen. Keep up the good works.

When I told Mike that Albion employees should work 24/7 I was only joking! Sheesh...

Now let's see what's left....The Sherriff (Fall 2005)....the Kingmaker (Late 2005) and the Munich (Late 2005). About 7 weeks to go...will they make it?
I wonder which one's next....I'd put my money on the Munich....dunno why exactly....just a feeling....

Congratulations Howy!

Hearing how significant this sword is for you makes me even more pleased and even honored that you chose to accept my name for it in the "Name that Sword" contest.

This is a very handsome sword and would round out my collection of high middleage weapons nicely. I will have to consider it and how it compares with my Templar.

Again a hearty congrats to you and everyone at Albion- you have built and are continuing to built a great conmpany with whom I am so pleased to hand over my money! :lol:
Jeremy

Another beauty, Howy!

I think I'm liking the bayeux a little more, myself. In any case, congratulations, Howy, on living your dream :)

Now, Greg, what you should be asking yourself is, "Does Howy need a 600hp '69 GTO. . ."

I've been anxiously waiting to see how the Hospitaller would turn out. Very nice! Simplicity in its finest. ;)

Hello Howard,

Tell me, does it share the blade of the Ritter? I have the latter and love it, I was just wondering about this one. I used to have Type XIIs as my favourite, but I'm leaning toward the XI's these days. I love the longer blades.

Cheers,

Quote:

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/ne...ler-xa.htm Specifications Total length: 40" (102 cm) Blade length: 33.75" (86 cm) Blade width: 1.88" (4.8 cm) CoG: 5.25" (13 cm) CoP: 22" (56 cm) Weight: 2 lbs 10.2 oz (1.2 kilos) As soon as orders are filled, I'm getting one with a campaign grip. It'll never take the place of my Knight, but the Hospitaller and my Wilkinson will probably hang side by side in my house. Ok, I'm done now. Best, Howy

It uses the Ritter blade, which is a "tweener" between a type-XI and a type-XIIIb. I'll be getting the Ritter myself.

Brian M

Wow-This sword looks great!

Oh me. Oh my. Gimme my heart back, damnit. And stop blindsiding me with all these lovely beauties I never thought I'd like!

(No, no, I don't actually mean that! It just slipped out - my sanity got the better of me momentarily. Please don't ever stop.)

I absolutely love this one - and more because of the business-like plainness than despite it. You can tell it was made to chew maille, not sit idly around in a trophy room. And that big pommel really nails the whole deal, completing the simple but elegant lines and proportions... BTW, is it just me, or is the pommel considerably larger than in the initial sketch? Because that's the main reason I didn't expect much of it based on the concept art, the pommel looking too small aesthetically in proportion to the rest of the sword.

Mon dieu! was I wrong.

Strongly resembling the sword of St Galgano doesn't hurt, either...

Well I thought I had settled on the Ritter to add to my collection now I'm not quite sure. Hmmmm.

You guys have put out a lot of swords in the last month or so. According to the website there are only 3 left this year to produce, the Sherriff, Kingmaker, and the Munich. Are you going to be able to fit them all in?