I guess if Albion start changing their minds about the number of swords in a limited edition after the fact their credibility will be toast at least as far as limiting the numbers increases the collectors value down the line. ( In theory )

They should be careful before they announce a number so that they don't limit to a small number a popular design.

They might consider waiting in the future until the swords are in production to announce the size of the edition depending on how much interest is shown on the pre-order books. At the concept stage deciding numbers seems premature to me: Just lacks flexibility !?

Small production numbers make sense if the piece is going to be much more expensive to produce than average or the demand is expected to be low.

In some cases ending a line before the target numbers are reached might work: A large edition becoming smaller might increase the collectors value and would not be a negative for a collector and would not be considered going back on a commitment. This could be useful as a means of better managing the product line. This should obviously not be done unless a design has not met a minimum level of demand or demand has become stagnant. Just an idea worth thinking about, there might be problems keeping the production set-up for a sword that isn't selling for years without activity.

:wtf: Alright, already... this one kept creeping into my head all day yesterday, dispatched countless enemies last night in my dreams, and I just had to look at the pics again this morning. I'll just tighten the belt a little, but I'm getting one... The fact that it'll drive Chuck nuts is cool, too! (just kidding, Chuck... well, sort of... :p)

Now comes the part that I find difficult for some reason... trying to feel out a grip color...

Various things -

The Vinland, Gotland, and Clontarf are all 100-run swords. They were released around 2 years ago? (I'm a little fuzzy on this) They are only now reaching the end . There is a notice over at Albion saying the Vinland has fewer than 10 models left. Of course, the popularity of those 3 swords may have been submerged by the more complex Viking swords like the Jarl that followed. Maybe the same pattern won't be followed by the Reeve, and it will sell out in 4 months. Actually, I selfishly hope it will soon reach 100 sales. That means my copy will retain much more value than will one of the thousand-run swords.

I'm not ordering a Reeve scabbard. I'm hoping that it will fit one of those I already have. Maybe the one that was made for my Gotland will do - though the Reeve's blade is just a bit longer and may not have as much profile taper. I also have hopes for an old-style Christian Fletcher scabbard made for my DT2121.

The Reeve's pommel didn't turn out quite like the one in the concept drawing. I like it better: it's not quite as round, and seems longer, slimmer.. It's a classic Type A pommel shape.

Oakeshott wrote in his introduction to Records of the Medieval Sword, something to this effect -- Medieval swords can have an austere perfection of line and proportion. If he had been able to see the Reeve, I think that phrase would have been in his thoughts again.

Well, I believe I will go red with my grip. I just hope that it will have some mottling to it's hue.

On second look I think the Reeve which is shown may have a magenta grip, I'm sure it's not oxblood. My choice for red is due somewhat to several origonals that were stated to have been made with red colored leather. I really prefer more muted choices like oxblood and light brown but I have models with those colors so maybe red- I just hope it's not fire engine red!

Jeremy

I'm really restraining myself from NOT ordering this. I really love the looks of it very much, but I just can't afford any more swords untill I get a new car, but I fear this might be sold out by then.

As for the grip, Howard, is the one sword pictured on the site done with magenta, or oxblood?? I'm guessing magenta, though I could be wrong ofcourse.

Hello everyone,

I have ordered my Reeve and just had to announce that the one shown is my sword. :D
I just couldn't resist. I think that it is kind of cool that both my Norman and now the Reeve are the actual pieces pictured on Albion's site.

Jeremy