Hey everyone,

Just moments ago, the sword that I have revered and coveted for so long has finally arrived at my doorstep! The Arms & Armor Edward III has reigned as #1 atop my 'dream sword' list for more than half-a-decade. Now that King Edward is finally here, I thought I'd share the joy!

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Congratulations! How does it feel in your hand?

Congratulations, again, Ted! Nice pics - but what is on the other side of the pommel (i.e., opposite the coat of arms)? If I recall correctly, the original had an embedded crystal, with a cloth behind it, and the Hanwei version also has a crystal (or some reasonable facsimile thereof). What is on the A&A version?

The real question is, do I get to cut with it someday?

Hi guys,

I wonder where the small piece of cloth comes from on the original. I presume it belongs to some saint but it would be cool to know. Also how does the decoration on the blade look- I wonder if it is the same as the historical example.

And OF COURSE you have to cut with it! It's not a lamp! :eek: :D

Jeremy

CONGRATULATIONS Ted!

Looks Familiar! :lol:

Thanks for posting pictures of our glorious acquisition, it was an "Honor" being in the same waiting list with you, especially given that this has been your Dream Sword for nearly Ten Years!

I just got my photos developed and I have to reshoot. I am still learning this Nikon N80 film camera. But I asked some questions at the camera store that will help me a lot on this next attempt.

Sincerely,

Bob

Another tidbit to remember is that Edward III had bought his way into the linen armourers guild. I had read Oakeshott's notes but always keep this in the back of my mind when seeing the sword (in its reincarnations).

edit to add:

After Edward III reconstituted and legitimated the trading fraternities by recognising their distinctive liveries and providing them with charters or letters patent, the King himself led a rush of non-operatives to join. Presumably meaning he was initiated in a mock-up manner, and given access to some ersatz secrets, it is recorded that he 'became' a Linen-Armourer. His successor Richard II became a brother of the same company and
the great, both clergy and laity, as well as principal citizens, dazzled with the splendour of such associates, hastened in both reigns to be enrolled as tradesmen in the fraternities

source

http://www.takver.com/history/benefit/ctormys-02.htm

Cheers

GC

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It hasn't been quite a full decade but close enough (about six or seven years -- that's still a lengthy time to wait to purchase the sword that completes your collection! :) ).

Anyway, here's another picture of the sword showing the back of the pommel and (to my surprise) the emblem of the Garter is on the other side of the blade also. BTW, the mysterious portcullis symbol is only on the "front" side -- same side as the English coat of arms on the pommel. -Ted

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To those asking about what is on each side of the pommel and blade, simply refer to our Hands-on Review for photos. It shows all these details.

Just FYI, don't be misled about the black spots on that last photo I just posted of the hilt. That's not tarnish. I was wearing a black shirt at the time I snapped that picture and apparently that's a refraction of the flash. Wow, say that five times real quick.

The tiny white spots on the shoulder of the blade are specks of dust. There's a rust protectant on the blade that also seems to attract dust and cat hair. :) Drives me nuts!