| The blade style for this sword, broad,
flat, evenly tapering, good sharp point, with a well-marked
fuller was popular in the 13th century. An excellent example
was found in Toledo Cathedral in the grave of Sancho IV el Bravo,
King of Castile and Leon from 1284 to 1295. Illustrations in
manuscripts and monumental sculture which can be dated c. 1170-1330
regularly depict sword blades of this style.
The type of cross-guard (Gaddhjalt meaning
spike-hilt) was commonly used with this style of blade. It
was first found in Viking graves three hundred years earlier,
but was still in use in the Renaissance. The hat-shaped pommel
was illustrated in European art for half a century, c. 1225-1275,
and can be found on many of the surviving swords of that period.
It would be reasonable to assume that some
of the Knights during any of the last four crusades to the
Holy Land would have carried a sword of this style. The natural
beautiful colours of the woods used serve to enhance the austere
perfection of line and form that is 'Crusade'.
Specifications:
blade type; double edge with fuller, XII*
blade length; 77 cm., 30 inches
overall length; 96 cm., 38 inches
Woods used:
blade; totara
cross-guard; red beech type; 1*
pommel; rimu (sapwood) type; D*
Reference:
The Sword in the Age of Chivalry, R.
Ewart Oakeshott F.S.A.
Arms and Armour Press, Revised Edit. 1981
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