[Patrick Kelly]

My new sword's pommel needs a bit of bling in those cavities. The inner diameter is 17.5 millimeters. Any suggestions or ideas and sources?

[Jonathan Hodge]

When you say bling, my mind goes extreme. So here's some extreme, but very doable options.

How fancy are you wanting to go? I could imagine some Amber looking pretty good in that pommel. It's nice warm glow would offset the cool colors of the steel and wrap. Even some synthetic ambers are still soft enough to be cut and polished with basic shop tools...but therein lies the problem as well - if you plan on using that beauty for more than just decoration you run the risk of scratching the stone.

Alternatively, you could always go with something hard like some polished granite from your local counter top vendor. Who may have a little extra left over that they'd be willing to cut and polish for a nominal fee.

[Nathan Robinson]

I don't love pommel inserts, really, but if you go that route, I'd say something subtle and historically appropriate.

[Jonathan Hodge]

Nathan brings up a good point about historical accuracy. So, in the end, an etched and enameled metal insert may be a good option. I recently ran across a picture (may have been in one of the forums actually) of the pommel of Peter of Dreux's sword that was used while on crusade. It was the etched and enameled style I believe. Perhaps you might consider including your family coat of arms, or having one created, if you don't have one already, for a nice personal and heirloom quality touch.

[Nathan Robinson]

The sword pommel above, the one with the Arms of Pierre de Dreux (circa 1190-1250) is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and can be seen here: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-colle...arch/27619

It is, of course, a different type of pommel entirely from Patrick's sword, having an enameled flat face rather than an inset. Several other examples of this style survive.

[Mart Shearer]

The Champlevé-enameled and gilt pommels are also cast copper-alloy.
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=23108

[Jonathan Hodge]

Thanks for the links Nathan and Mart. It was actually on the Met site that I was reading, and glad to see that it's also had a nice treatment here in the forum.

[Nathan Robinson]

This is interesting. I don't know anything about the sword... looks to be a later period, but I don't know.

[Lloyd Winter]

Not bling per se but I'd go for a fake relic with a piece of crystal in front of the relic to protect it..
Maybe the fingernail clipping of St Whoever, or a scrap of brown homespun to pass as the robe that jesus was wearing at the time of the crucifixion or something like that

[Victor R.]

Of the items already posted, I'm partial to either the carved stone or enameled crosses in Nathan's posts. Personally, I've looked into replica coins. Many of the replica pennies and groats are appropriately pressed with crosses (which would be a prevailing theme) and come in a variety of sizes. Another alternative I like are the pilgrim coins - you've got crosses and saints, etc. - you might even be able to use a modern St. Christopher or similar if lettered in Latin and of the right size. Another choice plays off of the suggestion of a coat of arms - design a signet for yourself and have it made into discs of the appropriate size. These devices could be combined - a Saint or cross on one side, and the signet on the other. Gives a very personal touch.

A quick google of "medieval coin replica" or "medieval pilgrim coin replica" gives several sites that sell them (mostly UK it seems), and the image results - especially when leaving out the "replica" - provide great idea fodder if you want to go the commission route with someone.

[Karl Knisley]

Hello
I had my Albion Knights pommel counter sunk a bit and added two 20mm ,carved natural ruby flowers.I call her
"Blossom" ;-)

[Roger Hooper]

Coin replicas

www.antiquanova.com

www.coinreplicas.com

Antiquanova is the successor company to Armart, whom you may remember (and It won't be a fond memory) However, as far as these coins go, they make the best around and I have found them to be reliable. Their best stuff is Roman and Greek, but there are a few medieval things. I put two in the pommel recesses on my custom XXa from A&A.

If you can't stand the thought of working with these guys, try Coin Replicas

A Roman denarius might be the easiest fit for your pommel recess. It was not unheard of for a Roman coin to end up on a Medieval sword. Luckily, they provide the diameter of these coins.

[Jonathan Hodge]

Carl and Roger, very nice! I wouldn't have thought about using a coin.

[Shahril Dzulkifli]

It's hard to tell whether the eagle pommel is probably authentic or not.
I think we need expert help to verify it.

[Mike Jia]

[Nathan Robinson]

[Patrick Kelly]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I've decided on a course of action and will share it when completed.

[Ronald M]

[Alexander Ehlers]

Trying putting in brass.
And by the way, were those kind of pommels meant to have something inserted in?

[Patrick Kelly]