In regard to the ricasso and leather coverings, see Marozzo 1536 or 1568 - how to hold your sword against pole weapons:

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Another great looking Albion sword there.

Matt

I believe that that this will be my next Albion after my Castellan arrives.

Hello sirs and madames:

I bought my first sword recently (Albion Gaddhjalt), and when I picked it up yesterday I was allowed to hold the Maximillian sans grip--but with all other hilt components in place. I can say that I have rarely--if ever--seen a sword so striking, in both form and feel. It is easy to hold, comfortable to swing, and looks fantastic. Normally, zweihänder-esque swords aren't particularly appealing to me (little 5'9'' guy, 150 lbs), but I SERIOUSLY considered putting down the deposit and buying it. It really resembles a big cat: very large and strong, with a definite presence, but moves in an easy manner that might seem out of place. I was comfortable enough with the heft, balance and power to be willing to take it to a theoretical battle or duel, or to do something as abusive as chop a door down--the perfect combination of fluid grace and real power. The hilt furniture was polished bright in raised areas, and darkened in the creases, creating an effect not unlike etched or antiqued silver.

Beautiful piece.

Absolutely. This is why most of the replica swords I get these days are based precisely on a historical example (I'm just putting a grip on one at the moment), because I would rather work with implements that they thought were right, rather than try and decide in the 21st century what I think is right.

That Wallace Collection example would probably not appeal to many modern fencers if it were a replica, but it felt like a good alternative to a pollaxe!

Ok I am going to have to ammend my previous post. My next sword after my castellan arrives will not be this sword. Fifteen hundred is too steep for me