New Sword Project -- myArmoury.com

Sean Flynt · Posted: Fri 19 May, 2017 11:12 am Post subject: New Sword Project

This one is a good example of why I never rule out revisiting a project. In 2016 I built a bastard sword using a HT bastard sword blade, modified Windlass guard and an inverted pommel from another Windlass sword. http://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=337...ht=bastard

That was okay, but then Leo (Tod) Todeschini of Tod's Stuff unveiled his multiple interpretations of the famous Wallace Collection A479. Since A479 is thought to (possibly) once have had a narrower blade, I immediately started thinking about Tod's guard on my recent sword project. There are several surviving examples of this type of guard on narrow blades, and one in particular got my blood up for Tod's guard. (first image below, composite by Nathan Robinson from Hermann Historica images)

I've had good trade with Tod, and decided to take a wild shot at getting one of his A479 guards. To my great surprise and luck, he did have a rough casting and was willing to sell it to me.

I happily replaced the Windlass guard on my sword with Tod's guard. Then I gave the sword a plain scabbard in my usual style. The belt is a bit thicker than I'd like, but was the most readily available. Buckle and strap end are from Tod.

The chape is a modified Windlass piece. Bronze would be better, but this one is fine.

This sword is 42.5" overall. COG 3.5" below guard.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Fri 19 May, 2017 11:22 am Post subject:

Here's a better view of the upper part of the sword. You can see the brown color of all leather here. I should note that I narrowed Tod's strap end to fit that buckle, and had to make a tongue for the buckle because I misplaced the proper one.

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I absolutely love this piece! Fantastic!!! Your images are so tiny and I want to see more. You can post much wider ones if you want... I'll go look at Facebook now because I really need to see more of this beautiful kit. Great job, man.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Fri 19 May, 2017 11:57 am Post subject:

Thanks! I've now replaced a few of those shots.

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I think this is my favorite thing you've put together: and you've had some great projects. I know, because I still have those awesome polearms you made for me!!

Sean Flynt · Posted: Fri 19 May, 2017 12:41 pm Post subject:

I would agree Big Grin

I still had to say "good enough" at almost every step, but in terms of component quality and historical specs, this is the best by far, mainly due to Tod's wonderful guard and the HT blade, which is of good form and properly thick. I wish the HT line included a broad, single-hand Type XVIII and a longer version of the bastard.

Guillaume Vauthier · Posted: Sat 20 May, 2017 1:16 am Post subject:

I must admit that the sword is pretty impressive Big Grin

I tend to prefer the wider blade, but this guard made by Leo accords perfectly with your pommel. And I love the scabbard sober style. Congrats!

Julien M · Posted: Sat 20 May, 2017 1:43 am Post subject:

Bang on!
Nice to see these various components blend together and produce such a great result! Great job indeed.
The pommel especially matches the sword beautifully. You've done justice to Tod's spare guard cast no doubt, and managed to land very close to the hermann Historica sword too..

I see you are still doing scabbard cores the hard way - scraping and chiselling your way through.
I've just done 4 scabbard core with modelling ply formed around the blade - will post later today wit more details. It's sooo much less hassle, fits the busy commuters lifestyle so much better (one hour here, one hour there) and the results beats all my previous carving cores by a long shot in blade fit and looks - though yours is very well made but I bet it took some efforts (while with slats forming you trace blade, clamp, forget for 3 days or a week until dry, glue, touch up the outer core and done).

Sean Flynt · Posted: Sat 20 May, 2017 4:02 am Post subject:

Yes, I definitely want to try the other method, as the results look wonderful! I'm keen to hear the details.

Daniel Staberg · Posted: Sat 20 May, 2017 4:49 am Post subject:

Great work Sean! I've always been impressed with the way your projects turn out andyou have only gotten better over the years. Makes me wish I did not have 10 thumbs.

Tim Lison · Posted: Sat 20 May, 2017 9:31 pm Post subject:

This really came together well. The whole thing looks like it was made together, it amazes me that it's a Frankensword! Top work as always.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 22 May, 2017 7:16 am Post subject:

Thanks for the encouragement, folks!

Damian Sulowski · Industry Professional

The sword is realy nice. It is very good and clear work. The scabbard is also great.