Hello sirs,

I'm interested in starting the development of my Elizabethan kit. I would like to portray a young English gentleman from around 1600-1610. I'd like to have a custom sword made for me at some point in time (i.e. Once I can afford it) and would like it to be useful for military life. What options do I have? Can people post pictures of swords that would fit the era and use?

Thank you!

-Gregory-

Have you read our article English Swords 1600-1650? It's a reprint from Arms and Armor Annual Volume 1.

Although not neccesarily English, the Arms & Armour Town Guard Sword is a very nice sword, the original dated 1610, which would probably work well for a miliatary-type sword with its robust blade, shorter length, and simple but elegant hilt. Here is a link http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sword192.html

Arms an Armour also does custom pieces as well as having a line of production rapiers
( http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapiers.html ), some of which are more like earlier war swords that were rehilted later
(ex: http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier164.html , http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier121.html )

Also take a look in the photo albums here for examples for custom pieces.
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/index.php?cat=5

Alex

Gregory;

I will have to agree with the gentlemen above, that many of the offerings from Arms & Armour would be fabulous for an English Gentleman of ca. 1600 or so. Many of their Rapiers and Sword-Rapiers would be quite at home hanging from the belt of such a gentleman, either in Peace or in War.

I have found the A&A "Dresden" to be a superb weapon, and it accompanies me on all of my Elizabethan wanderings. :cool:

Allons!

Gordon

Almost exactly a year ago I contacted E.B. Erickson about a custom replica of an English sword (ca. 1600) formerly of his personal collection. He was interested then and quoted a great price for both hilt and blade, but I just couldn't commit the dough (because I'd just bought a stunning English hanger from him!). Eljay has a full plate now, I think, but might still be interested in taking on such a project. Personally, I wouldn't go to anyone else for a custom piece of this era. Eljay has hands-on experience with originals and a fantastic eye for detail. I'd LOVE to see you or somebody else turn him loose on a project like this! I'd strongly encourage you to contact him before buying any production piece. If you arrange a project with him, you'll get a well-researched, one-of-kind reproduction and probably save a bit of cash as well. You'll wait longer, of course.

Speaking of Eljay, how about this Eljay English baskethilt with ATrim backsword over at ATrim direct - http://www.angustrimdirect.com/models/unamed_31/unamed_31.htm - The original on which it is based dates to circa 1620, but I imagine similar designs were around 20 years earlier. I've got one. It is a mighty fine sword.