[Bernhard H.]

Greetings to all,

your opinion and advice is kindly requested about the sword mentioned above, available via by-the-sword.
The intended use of the Sword of Reval for me would be something like a "functional wallhanger", a decoration piece one would neither need to be ashamed of or afraid of breaking it if it should happen to be swung or used against soft targets.

If someone has handled the sword, I would especially like to know:

- What do you think about the finish? In the photo, the pommel looks "wrong" somehow...
- Does it give the impression to be of a reasonably solid construction?
- How is the pommel attached, threaded or peened (I expect the latter with a Brazil nut shape)?
- Is there any engraving, makers mark or county of production enscribed on it anywhere? I would rather like it plain.
- Does the blade have the Windlass-typical semi-sharp edges?

I have never noticed the sword or heard about it before, so I do not know if it is a new offering or an old model which I simply overlooked, and that difference probably would make a difference in quality as well.
I was looking for a display piece with these characteristics: Brazil nut pommel, fuller, straight or slightly downturned pronounced bow-tie, so this one seems to fit the description, for a seemingly very reasonable price.

I am aware that Windlass is in quite another category than some other artists and producers, but I can live with that for this particular sword, if it is safe and looks authentic and reasonably nice in finish.

After nearly two years of abstinence from the topic of swords due to unpleasant personal reasons (health- and family- related), I am now in the process of approaching some of my old projects again, and this seems one that could be made real with little financial effort.

Oh, and btw: I need to work on my terminology again: It is a Type XI, right?

Interested in your opinions and replies

Bernhard

[Patrick Fitzmartin]

Greetings Bernard H., MRL has a great return policy. If you get one you don't like either exchange it or get your money back. Usually their markings are very easy to remove. Their steel is not super hard so edging will not be a major project. They are also offering the "Ulfbert" sword which has the same theme but has some "questionable" etching on the blade. I have owned several MRL's. Some were pure junk, others were really nice. They are improving but still sort of hit and miss. I would still reccomend dealing directly with them unless you have some outlet to examine them in person. Sincerely, Patrick Fitzmartin

[Bernhard H.]

Thank you Patrick. Your general impression about Windlass seems to be the same as mine, more or less "it depends".
I do not yet know if I will buy from MRL or by-the-sword, that more or less depends on which other items I will combine with that order. I have bought before from both. The return policy probably will not help me much, because I would be ordering from Europe, and considering postage and duty it would then be more economical to sell locally anything I don't like, even for less than I paid. Still, otherwise it would be a very important factor.
I still hope that someone has met the Reval sword in person.

[Joel Chesser]

Im interested in this sword too. Any one have any further information on this sword?

[Luka Borscak]

I handled that sword but I wasn't considering it seriously so it was more like lifting it, making a few swings and putting it down. But from what I remember, it had a feel of a cavalry weapon (blade heavy, but not too much), not very whippy, and everything was quite solid and tight... I think it's good enough sword for what you need it and for the price. I don't really remember anything about the finish or if the pommel was threaded or peened. It was sharp, but it may have been sharpened by the dealer, not MRL.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Lin Robinson]

[Joel Chesser]

The original author of this post, Bernhard H, asked what type this was, any suggestions? Im guessing along with Bernhard that is a type XI.