Hand and a half sword 14th/15th century

AHorsa · 4th April 2026, 06:11 AM

Thank you for the detailed feedback!

In one of Ewart Oakeshott’s books, a very similar sword is illustrated as XIIIa–11—also dated quite early.
All due respect to Oakeshott, but are these pieces really that old? Yes, the pointed cross-guard already appeared among the Vikings, but to my knowledge it continued in use well into the 15th century. The pommel shape, however, seems to me to be clearly later than the 12th or 13th century. It would be great to find a contemporary depiction—that would shed much more light on the matter.

Best regards
Andreas

4th April 2026, 06:11 AM	#3
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 393	Thank you for the detailed feedback! In one of Ewart Oakeshott’s books, a very similar sword is illustrated as XIIIa–11—also dated quite early. All due respect to Oakeshott, but are these pieces really that old? Yes, the pointed cross-guard already appeared among the Vikings, but to my knowledge it continued in use well into the 15th century. The pommel shape, however, seems to me to be clearly later than the 12th or 13th century. It would be great to find a contemporary depiction—that would shed much more light on the matter. Best regards Andreas