Sword, c. 1300 AD

This sword (Wallace Collection inv.# A.459) is believed to be from around 1300 AD, but could be older, possibly from c. 1100 AD according to Oakeshott. It could be French in origin, and could be a river-find or possibly from a tomb. Apart from the fact that the grip is missing, the sword is in very good condition. The blade has a distinct fuller and hollow-ground sides, getting hexagonal in cross-section towards the point. One can almost make out that there might have been a cross inlaid in the raise area of the pommel. The cross arms have an octagonal cross-section. The sword is easy to wield, and is probably the nicest High Medieval one-hander I’ve handled to date.

Close-up of the hilt

Oakeshott classification:
Blade type: Xa
Pommel type
: J
Cross-style: 2

Dimensions:
Length: 1029 mm (40.5”)
Blade length: 857 mm (33.75”)
Blade width: 48 mm at the base (1,89”); 35 mm (1.38”) at 400 mm (15.75”) from the cross; 27 mm (1.06”) at 800 mm (31.5”)
Blade thickness (edge of fuller): 7 mm at base; 4,5 mm at 400 mm (15.75”); 3,5 mm at 800 mm (31.5”); 2 mm at the point
Length of fuller: 774 mm (30.47”)
Width of fuller: 18 mm (base), 11 mm at 400 mm (15.75”); 6 mm at 760 mm (29.9”)
Depth of fuller: 3 mm (0.12”) (mean value)
Pommel, height: 47 mm (1.85”), width 51 mm (2”), thickness 42 mm (1.65”) (12 mm/0.5” at edge), diametre of central area 22 mm (0.87”)
Tang width (at cross): 24 mm (0.94”), at pommel 17 mm (0.67”)
Thickness of tang (at cross, edge): 7 mm (0.28), at pommel 6 mm (0.24”)
Width of cross: 161 mm (6.34”), thickness 11 mm (0.43”)
Point of balance: 95 mm (3.74”) from the cross
Location of primary node: c. 597 mm (23.5”) from the cross
Weight: 1160 grams (2 lbs 9 oz)

Bibliography:

James G. Mann & A.V.B. Norman: European Arms and Armour in the Wallace Collection, p. 242 (vol. 1), p. 113 (vol. 2)
Ewart Oakeshott: Records of the Medieval Sword, p. 37