A while back I was looking at this thread devoted to Oakeshott type C/D pommel swords:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=20025

I've wanted a D pommel for my collection for quite some time (indeed I've owned a couple but they did not satisfy). There are a few very nice production pieces out there, but none of them seem to exactly match what one sees in the originals, for one reason or another.

Looking at the above thread one notices a group with very similar characteristics (see examples below): a very similar long thin blade (37-38") of Oakeshott type Xa/XI (Geibig 13), a straight cross (usually type 1, but at least one type 2), a single-hand grip, and a nearly identical type D pommel. These swords seem quite clearly to be built for use from the back of a horse - long reach, but likely awkward in close quarters. Moreover, they share so many common characteristics that one is tempted to say, to paraphrase Oakeshott, 'they were made in the same workshop, if not by the same hands'.

This notion gave rise to a concept for a custom piece.

I took this notion to Craig Johnson at A&A and asked him to make me one of these swords, as if it were the next one to roll out of this 13th century 'assembly line' , choosing some of the features from the known examples that I prefer. In particular, I chose the slighlty unusual rounded type 1 spikehilt cross from one of the examples shown below, wanted the pommel to have the slightly scaloped bottom missing from most modern replicas, and of course the full length blade.

This project has now come together and over the next days we'll see the results.

By the way, there is talk of turning this into an A&A production piece, so I'm sure Craig will be interested to see what people have to say about it.

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Moriarty! I love it. I sincerely hope A&A put a piece like that into their production line as I would buy instantly! I love the type d pommel with a style 1 cross. Can't wait to see the final...when did you say we'd see it?

I'm coming out of lurk mode to express my excitement for this project. Looking great so far! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Very nice. If they turn it into a production model - will buy one!

Very nice... I have too many projects out right now to think about a cocked hat project, but when I see this it makes me think I need to. Very cool sword

Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to seeing the finished sword. Arms and Armor is definitely the place to go for a custom sword.

Funny thing Tim, I often admire other people's scabbards (I've been meaning to comment on your recent aquisition) but mine always end up in the clothes closet. I just like looking at naked steel. (I'm tempted to make an analogy here, but afraid I would get into trouble again).

I'm glad to see that people find this project interesting. Here's a couple more later development shots, including the final one before the hilt furniture was peened onto the actual blade (the blade / tang parts shown above are just dummy pieces).

Hopefully shots of the final product will be available early this week.

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Really liking the look of it. Did Craig send any full length shots?

That is quite glorious. Man, wish I had some moolah to have nice things :(

This is a really exciting project. I love, well, each element of the hilt- pommel, grip length, and guard. I love the look of the fuller as well- a bit narrow which I like to see.

I like how you seem to have developed an emphasis towards the more "weighty" or more cavalry driven historical examples in your collection. It gives a kind of focus if you will.

Eagerly following this project.

Looking forward to seeing it completed! Maybe not immediately, but I would certainly buy this sword if it becomes stock piece with that blade length.

What is the blade length to be? I have been very excited to see the under-represented XI's that are starting to show up. It is very hard to find blades over 90cm.