[Jeremy V. Krause]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in the shaping and edge definition of fullers on historical pieces as they would have looked new. My reason for this is that I am pursuing a custom order of the Shaftesbury sword (XI.5 in Records) and am wordering how to approach the fuller.

I cannot tell by the photo if the edges of this fuller are met in crisp lines say as we see in most quality production swords today (Albion, A&A) or if they have softer/rounder edges.

Are crisply defined fullers somewhat a preference of the modern collector? I know that there are well preserved specimens with crisp fullers, but is this the rule. Did all new swords have crisply defined fullers and time and corrosion has softened these lines? Did this relate to the qualtiy of the sword or is our penchant with crisp, laser straight fuller a modern preference?

Could someone look at the photos of the shaftesbury sword, (It is also in SAC and Sword in Hand which has the best photo I think) maybe post them and give an opinion of the form of this sword's fuller. I want my sword to be as accurate an inspiration as possible but your help would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help,
Jeremy

[Geoff Wood]

[Peter Johnsson]

You see crisp fuller as well as fullers that are so blended it is hard to make out a ridge at all.

Sometimes one can assume a softening of the shape is the result of re-polishing during the life time of the sword. In other cases the shape of the sword has been changed by rust. Sometimes transition fuller-edge bevel was soft or rounded by intention as it was made.

The sword you are interested in probably had a softish shape to begin with, with less than sharp ridges.
I have not sen this sword in person, so I´m speculating. This character is rather common on this type.

[Jeremy V. Krause]

Thanks Peter,

I am interested to hear of other forumites attitudes regarding fuller definition. How would you feel regarding a modern quality reproduction made with softer or rounded fuller edges? Again if any one has Sword in Hand could you scan and post the full length picture of the Shaftesbury sword as I would appreciate others thoughts regarding blade and fuller shape on this sword.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Steve Grisetti]

I have attached a scan of Figure 37 from Sword in Hand. I think that is the sword you are discussing, but I'm not entirely sure. Oakeshott's remarks state "It is in almost pristine condition". The fuller does seem to be somewhat rounded at the edges, but still seems to me to be well defined. Personally, I don't find this lack of razor sharp definition to be objectionable.

I notice that the blade profile becomes a little thinner about 2/3 of the way from the hilt to the point (?around the COP?). I wonder if this is from honing out some damage?

[Jeremy V. Krause]

Thanks Steve!

Though the picture is a bit small it is still helpful. I just think that is a really beautiful sword. I tend to think that this sword would have some taper towards the point irrespective of historical honing but I am not sure. Oakeshott does state that this sword did show evidence of extensive use especially in the point section which he described as "much rounded." I beleve that this sword would have had an adequate, though not severe point.

I am working with Craig to eventually bring this project to life but I respect the feedback I can receive on myArmoury so I will probably continue to ponder the various aspects of design as they occur to me. Having said this I have confidence in Craig's notions as to some of the specifics of this sword. I guess it is always a certain challenge to seek to reproduce a sword from a 2D picture.

The iron inlay in the blade will certainly be an interesting untertaking and I am excited to be, as far as I can tell, the first to commission this type of work on a reproduction. The diminutive nature of the inlaid script on this sword specifically, and the Gecelin swords generally present a special challenge to the craftsman.

Thanks everyone,
Jeremy

[Steve Grisetti]