[Jared Kirk]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone knows much about Irish ring hilted swords. Specifically what kind of blade types they were seen on, and what style guard(s) they were typically paired with.

Also, was this this type of pommel used only for a specific time frame, or did it see popularity throughout the middle ages?

Thanks!

[Stephen Curtin]

Hi Jared. There are only a handful of Irish ring pommeled swords that have survived to present day. Most of the blades on these swords are a variation of Oakeshott type XIX. Guards tend to be either straight or slightly S curved, that widen towards the ends. As for dating. All we know is that they were deffinately used in the first half of the 16th century. Whether they were used before or after that, we don't know. Hope this helps.

[Jared Kirk]

So we can probably assume from the relative lack of surviving examples that it was not widely used, likely owing to the fact that it was a style particular to the Irish isles?

The reason I asked is that I plan to commission a sword with this hilt type sometime in the future and was thinking of pairing it with a type XV blade. Was trying to find out if this combination had any historical basis, but it seems like the answer is no. It likely won't affect my decision, but I wanted to satisfy my curiosity anyway.

[Stephen Curtin]

Jared. Although the majority of swords of this type had XIX blades, it wasn't the only option. One example from the museum in Belfast, has a hand and a half example with a type XVIII blade variation. I'm not sure if a type XV would be suitable, but a type XVIII might be closer to your tastes, and still historically possible.

[Mark Moore]

I would love to see some pics of ring-poms. Next to claymores and greatswords, they are my favorite. I think the ring was very culturally distinct to the Irish people. Plus.....they just look badass. ....McM

[Jared Kirk]

[Stephen Curtin]

Here you go.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p=196685

[J. Nicolaysen]

Someone knowledgeable should compile all the great ring-hilt info on this forum and write a good "features" thing for the spotlight series on the main page. There are quite a few great threads and photos and several people who have been able to study this type quite a bit.

Ring-hilts are one of those really eye-catching and unique design that despite scarcity is somehow emblematic, really living on in today's imagination. Several good reproductions of it as well. I was able to find a nice A&A ring-hilt this year, a sword I had really liked since they released it ages ago.

I would also like to know about the sheath/scabbard styles since they are somewhat unique. And what kind of designs like those popular Gaelic knots and crosses and what have you. Whether they would be appropriate designs for period.

Anyone want to take a stab at it?

[Jared Kirk]