Hi guys,
I am getting a custom made hand and half sword and as such, I have to come up with the specifications myself. I am almost ready but it seems I cannot find enough information on cross guard width. I won't get as far as to say I want a historically accurate guard, since there a ton of different variations and Oakeshott said that ones he listed as typical are a guideline, not a rule, but I want at least historically plausable. However, I cannot seem to find many examples of large cross-guards on a hand and half swords from the 14-15 century. I know of the massive ones on the two handers, but they are from the Renaissance. I remember reading somewhere that if unsure, you can make it the same length as the grip and it won't be wrong, but I am interested in ones as large as these ones:
http://www.myArmoury.com/review_mrl_towt.html
http://www.myArmoury.com/review_pmc_bast1.html
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...Long+Sword
In other words the cross-guard as large as the handle. The third sword is close to what I have in mind - 25 cm (10") handle and cross-guard, I just want mine with a bit shorter blade. I guess this will be an infantry sword because such a large cross-guard can be of a nuisance when riding a horse. I rely, maybe too much, on Albion when seeking historical accuracy, but all their cross-guards are of lesser width (proportion to the handle). Has any of you seen such swords in museums around the world?
Not to miss something very important, I am speaking of Oakeshott types XVIa, XVIIIb and XXa.
So, what do you guys think?

I think this can be a topic of great interest to people who are not copying museum pieces, but want something original, yet true to the time period.

watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51xWlcR0c88&feature=youtu.be