We have waxes for these three models, and will be molding and casting them soon.

We still have some blade programming work to finish on the Doge.

[ Linked Image ]
Kern

[ Linked Image ]
Doge

[ Linked Image ]
Condottierre

Best,

Howy

Really Nice, Howy!

Isnt the doge's finger guard...thing...a little small? I don't know, I can imagine that being a little uncomfortable when you add the wood/leather grip that will take up even more room.

Great job though, they look amazing!

I really like the Kern, I must have missed the s curved pommel in looking at the original sketch. At this rate I am never going to be able to decide on ym next Albion purchase! :p

Praise the lord and pass the steel! I was starting to get a little worried when you introduced the Machiavelli, another XIX Type sword, but have only one completed thus far. Glad to know my desired Kern is on its way.

About that, though... Is that ring pommel going to be a bit wide? Or is that necessary for the proper balance of the weapon?

Don't you guys think Peter would have done his homework before designing these? :) Give him some credit...

There is a lot of variety to Irish ring-hilt swords. Please see this thread for more info:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=5494

Chad,
Of course! You're right, and I don't mean to take anything away from the design, nor Peter's development. I just found myself cocking my head in curiosity, as it looked somewhat bulkier, however, thanks to Howard's last picture, I can tell it works out quite perfectly.

Howard,
Ah, if that isn't a beautiful sight, I'd best be blind. These last three swords are starting to look to become some of the most artistic of the NG line! Thank you for updating us on these beauties!

All of those look great, but I must say that the Doge really appeals to me! Out of curiosity, since these slightly complex hilts often had wire wrapping in period, will that be an option (as it is on the Munich)?

The Doge:
The hilt is just about as big as those you see on preserved originals. On the repro market developed hilts are often exaggerated in size. Perhaps it is this that makes you think it is small?


The Kern:
One thing all the different shapes and versions Irish hilts have in common is that their proportions are not completely sweet and in harmony. Some did remark on this with the Gallowglass and the Chieftain as well. It is very much an intended effect. Without it the hilts would be less true in cultural style to the originals.
The rings on ring hilts do come in different sizes and shapes as well. Some are oval lenght wise, others are oval cross wise. Some are very thin others are, if not beefy, so at least a bit more meaty.
The Kern is not a copy of any single specific sword, but a homage to the Irish Ring Hilt.

wow,

those are beautfiful lines, balance of grace and strength,

cool to see some slightly more complex hilts being born, who knows, maybe some day you guys will produce a slender 16thC. side sword or 17thC walloon hilt... oh the possibilties ;)

cheers, adam s.

I'm not normally a fan of complex hilts (well anything more complex than a cross guard :D ) but the Doge is really growing on me. Well thats another one to add to the 'I want one' list............. along with practically the rest of Albion's line up!!! :lol:

Excellent. Simply excellent in every sense of the word.

I'm really, really drawn to these. I particularly like the Doge. Very, very nice.

I too am very impressed with the waxes for the Doge. Something about the crisp lines and geometry of that guard are truly stunning. I do have a question about the blade, however. Will the single handed type XIX blades be a similar width as the Gallowglass blade? Just out of personal preference I found the Gallowglass blade to be a bit narrower than I like. I honestly don't know a lot about XIX blades, and I don't have any of my books handy, but are there beefier examples out there? I would find a beefy XIX just awesome if it has historical precedent. Maybe something for a custom project someday, who knows?

Thanks,

Kenton

I have to chime in to say that the Doge is really cool. I never thought I'd like it when I saw the drawings but after seeing the waxes I realize that I was mistaken! Great job again Albion! I really can't wait to see these models finished!

Yup Peter, I actually have gotten to play with, even cut with the Gallowglass. I must say, it is a beautiful sword, the hilt and blade are both beautiful, just a bit narrow for my aestetic tastes. I guess I am just too manly for it :D

As for judging a sword by it's photos, you are certainly correct though, and the type XVII is the perfect example. Before getting my hands on the Landgraf at the NYC custom knife show, I was not overly impressed by the design. After holding it, and viewing it live...it is now my favorite of the entire Albion line, including the Museum Line.

Also, I had totally forgotten about the lug on the Doge blade and was thinking it shared the same blade as the Kern. That makes the sword all the more compelling.

Kenton