This very Gothic and very German hand and a half sword is a reproduction of an iconic original from the collection of the Royal Armoury is dated to 1480 and was forged for a wealthy, but unknown individual. There are other examples of its type which have survived and the motif of using twisted branches or floral / wooded elements to style components of swords, knives and other weapons is shown in period art. This “Gothic Bough” stylization would have required a skilled bladesmith or cutler and was certainly a way to showcase one’s status if such a finely styled weapon could be afforded. These swords are not mere art pieces or fashion accessories, the surviving examples are well-crafted, well balanced and entirely deadly weapons. These swords are full of the Gothic character of the late Medieval Holy Roman Empire and its Principalities.
This reproduction from Deepeeka’s higher quality Primus line of swords has a blade forged from C60 high carbon steel (a steel similar to 1060) which was tempered to a 48-52 HRc hardness. The intricately writhen guard, pommel and grip ring are fashioned from bright brass to recreate the appearance of the original which had fittings of copper alloy which were gilt in gold. Like the original, the wooden grip is intricately and painstakingly carved in the likeness of a bundle of entwined branches. The grip is long enough to allow for a single or two handed grip for this bastard sword. Included with the sword is a scabbard of high quality craftsmanship which is made from wood and wrapped in tight, stitched leather and finished with brass Gothic decorative banding and chape.
Dale (verified owner) –
Somewhere in my childhood, when I was addicted to Howard Pyle’s King Arthur tales (still am) I saw, in a photo or in a museum, a twisted (writhen) hilt like this and knew immediately it was magic. When I saw your new sword I had to have it.
The balance is somewhat blade heavy, which is all right, because this is obviously a ceremonial sword rather than a combat weapon, to be carried in procession at important moments.
As impressive as the sword is, the scabbard is beautiful work, and reminds me of Malory: “Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether liketh you better, said Merlin, the sword or the scabbard? Me liketh better the sword, said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard is worth ten of the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the scabbard always with you.”
I intend to!
Doug (verified owner) –
Good looking, just don’t look too close! Very awkward balance.
I’ll preface this by saying I’ve handled several of the Arms n Armor version of this sword, the AnA version being one of my favorite swords ever. I was hoping this to be a cheap alternative but I did end up returning it.
Pros:
Lightweight (mine was 2lbs 6oz, just under 3lbs in the scabbard)
Looks nice, especially the scabbard
Blade seems of decent quality and proportions
Cons:
Tiny, delicate grip. It was very awkward to hold with such a narrow grip, and the wood felt fragile. There were chips in the wood and noticeable glue around the fittings as well, which I could have overlooked for the price. I’d give this sword five stars if a slightly larger grip with a good hard wood was used.
VERY blade heavy. The lack of any heft in the hilt makes the balance very awkward. It feels heavy despite being under 3lbs. Awkward to hold and uncomfortable to wear, I ended up returning it.
Marty –
I purchased this one blemished but honestly didn’t see any imperfections. The sharpening service on this one looked rushed though as there were some problems with the edge.
Pros :
– Amazing scabbard, beautiful.
– Detailed brass work on the hilt
– Side Arm sized
– Great parade sword
– Decent Thruster
Cons :
– Terrible balance
– Bad cutter ( even with koa sharpening)
– Small Handle, hard to grip