[Jonathan Harton]

I am, now that I have seen the too damn beautiful things, contemplating buying wither the Bayeux or Reeve from Albion. My question is, how late can these type of swords be documented. I know they are firmly in the 11thC, but how far past that. I want to use this sword for both a Norman and Crusader LH kit of 1066-1200 roughly and am wondering either blade would be too out of place in the later days.
Thanks for any help,
Jonathan.

[Chad Arnow]

Have you checked out this article?

[Patrick Kelly]

Johnathon,

Like Chad I would suggest you read our Type X spotlight. I think it's a pretty good read but I may be biased.

Given the time range you've stated I think the Type X would be an excellent choice. This basic blade design was undoubtedly the mosy widespread type throughout the viking age and ealy middle ages. I think they would have been commonly found up through the high medieval period as well, even though they might not have been considered state of the art at the time. I don't think it likely that such a sword would have been found in the hands of a high ranking noble but quite possible for a lower echelon knight or common man-at-arms. Here's a Type X that could have been found in the 13th century: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_pj_bj.html