Yesterday was my first time handling original medieval swords. John Lundemo (of Odinblades)and I were allowed to enter into the depths of the MET to examine five swords from their storage. The collection consisted of three single handed swords, one rather short bastard sword and one gorgeous rapier.
The assistant curator explained to us that that the swords he had picked for us were the most trustworthy of the pieces on display. That means that two of them were most likely composites of different blades and hilt pieces but were not 19th century fakes, and the third single hander had something off about it but nothing to say it’s a fake or even composite (I think John was more suspicious than the assistant curator was).
The bastard sword is shown in Oakeshott’s records of the medieval sword on page 189. It has a stunning hollow ground blade and chocolate brown grip. I could go on and on about this sword but I’ll speak in generalizations for now.
I was amazed at just how light all four medieval swords were, and just how close the balance was on the swords. None of the medieval swords even reached three pounds and all of them balance within four inches of the guard. Now a lot of weight is lost to corrosion and overenthusiastic polishing/ grinding by previous collectors but even taking that into account these weapons were quick.
Another surprise was that all of the swords, without exception had very thin edges. Not quite the apple seed edge I expected, the edges in cross section resembled the head of a sewing needle.
It could not have been a better experience. The combination of the assistant curator’s knowledge of the swords as artifacts, and Johns in depth knowledge of the sword making craft made the experience far more the just handling antiques.
I have no real question to ask, just hope you all have questions or comments
Unfortunately I can’t put the pictures we took on the site because that constitutes publishing museum property (they had us sign an agreement) but if you would like to see some pics for personal study let me know.

What a wonderful opportunity. Congratulations on your very special visit!

Sean Belair wrote:

....The bastard sword is shown in Oakeshott’s records of the medieval sword on page 189. It has a stunning hollow ground blade and chocolate brown grip. I could go on and on about this sword but I’ll speak in generalizations for now....

That piece (XVIIIa.4) is, indeed, a beauty, and one of my (many!!) favorites. If it's not too much trouble, I would love to see a few of your photos of that piece.

If you are at liberty to say, I would also be interested in comments as to how John and you expect to make use of the knowledge that you gained on this visit. For example, do you plan to work on any replications of the specific pieces that you handled? Or do you just expect to generally adjust your work in a more historical direction? Or something else?

actualy were thinking long and hard about that perticular piece ( we were initialy planing to work on a castillon find sword the 37 incher on p143 of Oakeshott's RMS) but with the chalange of making an exacting replica of a sword we have actualy handald i think its next on the list.

"Record's XVIIIA.4 IS my favorite sword in that book! I envy you the chance to handle it and I even contemplated asking John to do a sword based on that one!"

you wont be disapointed

if anyone who has sent me their email adress NOT recived images. my email is very bizar and is now telling me the emails have yet to be sent