Questions about my first sword -- myArmoury.com

Thomas Wright · Posted: Sun 16 Nov, 2003 8:50 am Post subject: Questions about my first sword

Hello all. I am new to these forums, however I have been researching on my own for over a year now. I recently purchased a sword from a dealer at the Texas Ren Fest for use as a prop and to begin collecting. Celtic and curved blades are what I like the most, however they did not have any of those designs there. So, I grabbed a hand-and-a-half or bastard sword since that is the only type of blade that I have any experience handling. It is a high carbon steel blade with a full length fuller. The guard and pommel are brass and I think that the hilt is leather wrapped wood.

I have 2 questions. First, I know that the blade needs to be kept oiled to prevent it from rusting. I even know that I must oil it every 1 - 3 months. However, I don't know what oil to use. Could someone point me to information about blade care products?

Second, there is a 1/4 inch projection coming from the base of the pommel. Is there any historical accuracy for this being there? I have attached pictures for all of you to see better.

Thank you,

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Sun 16 Nov, 2003 9:12 am Post subject:

Hello Thomas, and welcome to myArmoury.

Here's one of our articles that you may find helpful in caring for your sword:
http://www.myArmoury.com/feature_care.html

As for the 1/4 inch projection, I'm assuming that you're speaking of the part of the pommel which is below the line cast into the pommel?

If so, and if this is cast of a piece with the pommel, then no it's not accurate. This is done as an attempt to help strengthen the grip, so as to prevent cracking. While separate ferrules are historically accurate, having them cast as part of the pommel is not. This is just a cost saving measure done by the maker.

This is assuming that this is the detail you're talking about.

Enjoy!

Thomas Wright · Posted: Sun 16 Nov, 2003 4:12 pm Post subject:

Actually, the piece I was talking about was the button at the top (with the blade down) of the pommel. I went looking around and I found some examples of other swords that have buttons on them. I guess I answered my own question.

Thanks for the info on blade care, also.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Sun 16 Nov, 2003 5:42 pm Post subject:

I see now Thomas, sorry.

When referring to the "top and bottom" of a sword the classic terminology views the sword as being held point down. Thereby the pommel is the top, and the point is the bottom. So when you referred to the base of the pommel I automatically assumed the opposite of what you were actually referring to.

That style of securement isn't historically accurate for a sword of the period that yours represents, but is very common on modern repros in this price range.