Question for Christian Fletcher -- myArmoury.com

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I'm sure it would be more efficient just to call up Christian Fletcher or write him an email, but I thought this might be useful for all to know.

I was highly impressed with CF's recent scabbard work. I've recently had a chance to see several models, including the Ranger kit. Very nice.

Christian, are you still making scabbards for swords sent to you, or are you only making them on swords you create/ sell? If you're able to take scabbard commissions, what is your current backlog on a historic model scabbard?

Thanks much.

Christian Fletcher · Industry Professional

Thanks, Nathan : ) Sure, I'm happy to take on scabbard commissions for other swords. I still need to have the sword on hand to ensure a proper fit. Unfortunately, I can't accept display swords for this process. Experience has shown that many of them really are too delicate for the repeated handling and traveling they would be subjected to.

The current wait for an historical scabbard is three or four weeks, once I have the sword on hand.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 8:43 am Post subject:

Hi Christian,

That's a very nice scabbard in that photo. The sword looks like one of Albions new hollow ground line? What would a scabbard like that one run in terms of cost?

James Byrnes · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 11:12 am Post subject: Not Christian but...

Patrick,

I am not Christian, but since I recently ordered one of his historic scabbards myself( ie last week) I can tell you the price was $250. For that you get his historic construction method, chape and locket. I ordered the scabbard,an additional locket underneath the scabbard lip and the longsword suspension system and still came in under $350 for the rig. Not bad at all, IMO. Now, I just have to endure the waiting Cry

James

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 12:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks James, that's not a bad price at all.

Christian Fletcher · Industry Professional

Yes, that's one of Albion's Rouen Hand-and-a-Half hollow ground swords. The scabbard is one of my baseline historical scabbards, priced at $250. The fire blackened fittings don't cost any extra, but things like additional lockets, leather tooling, etc. are available for a bit more.

I've attached a photo of an Albion LaTene type II with it's scabbard, showing some variation in the shaping of the wood and tooling of the leather.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 1:06 pm Post subject:

Christian, that's a beautiful scabbard with the La Tene.

I love the detail work.

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 2:02 pm Post subject:

Nathan,

Don't you think my new migration sword would look great with a period scabbard like this?

I do.

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Eric Bergeron · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 2:26 pm Post subject:

I got to handle CF's work when I had the CF/Atrim Ranger sword and I must say the scabbard and suspension system blew me away. I'm looking forward to what else CF comes up with from his shop.

Christian Fletcher · Industry Professional

I've just recently purchased a camera capable of taking this quality of photo, so my portfolio is starting over. I do have several more images, however, and in a much larger format. How do you suggest I proceed?

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Ben Sweet · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 4:42 pm Post subject:

just amazing to see how much these scabbards have changed over the years...great stuff!

Steve Maly · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 5:17 pm Post subject:

Christian does incredible work. I have an ATrim Ranger AND a FMLB with Elven upgrades--both with the historical scabbards. Both scabbards are light, sturdy and works of art in an of themselves--with a snug fit for the sword as well. The belts aren't shabby either! The tooling on the elven belt certainly sets it apart. He takes pride in his work and it shows in the craftsmanship. As soon as I get some upcoming sword projects paid off, I'm sure I'll be back for more! Big Grin

Joshua Hemingway · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 6:33 pm Post subject:

James Byrnes · Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2003 10:14 pm Post subject: Nice Blade Josh

I am not usually into sideswords( well other then the new Venetian Sidesword on Christians site) but seeing pics like this is going to cause me and my finances great pains! So kindly please stop posting nice eye candy. Thank You, that is all!

James

Gary Venable · Posted: Tue 16 Sep, 2003 6:44 am Post subject:

Christians work is always top notch. I bought his original Canwick sword which was also my first Albion blade. I can honestly say the pictures don't do it justice. I have it hanging in my office and it is always the one people ooh and ahh about and it's not from lack of company. When I bought it he offered a scabbard and I just didn't have the funds at the time, its something I have regretted for a while and now even more. Sad

Gary

Eric McHugh · Industry Professional

That is some nice work Christian. I like the shape or your cores. Many people do not realize how important it is to shape the core. Too thin and the scabbard is fragile, too thick and it over-powers the sword hilt. You struck a nice balance. Keep up the good work!

Best,

Eric

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I added an album for Christian Fletcher in the "Reproduction Arms and Armour" category of our Photo Album database that contains some higher resolution examples of Christian's work.