[Harry Marinakis]

Suspensions for Oakeshott Type XIII and XIIIb Swords

What are the historically-correct methods for suspending Oakeshott Type XIII and XIIIb swords? I decided to do some detailed research on this subject. Feel free to add more information and corrections.

Previous Threads

Suspensions for Oakeshott Type X-XI Swords:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=30408

Suspensions for Oakeshott Type XII Swords:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=30414

Suspensions for Oakeshott Type XIIa and XIIIa War Swords:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=30428

Methodology

First, I searched for examples of Type XIII and XIIIb swords in medieval books, effigies, illuminated manuscripts, paintings, extant swords, scabbards and modern research articles. Then I compiled a catalog of the various Type XIII and XIIIb sword belts and scabbards. Finally, I reviewed the catalog for time and location trends.

Sword Suspensions

Oakeshott Type XIII-XIIIb swords are relatively rare, and examples of their scabbards are even rarer. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to definitively identify Type XIII-XIIIb swords in the illuminated manuscripts or other Medieval art. Therefore it is not possible to describe specific suspension systems for these swords. It is likely that these swords were carried in the same manner as other swords (Types XII, XIIa, XIV) during the same time period, but there is no definite evidence of such.

[Shahril Dzulkifli]

Lots of detailed information on Oakeshott sword suspensions you have there, Harry.