Mr. Oakeshott's Sword
I bought this some years ago, as I have been thinning my collection, I have kept it because it really appeals to me in terms of it's appearance and the way it feels in the hand. Take a look.
I wrote to Oakeschiott shortly after I received it and got a very nice letter in reply. He referenced it as follows:
The Archeology of Weapons (1960)
Type XVIII w. side ring ca. 1420-1450
Ill. Plate 20b
pp. 330-331 (Discussion of wear on hilt wrapping)
The Sword in the Age of Chivalry (1964 revised 1981)
Type XVIIIa w. side ring ca. 1400-1425
Ill. Plate 43b
p. 122 (Cross decoration)
p. 132 (Grips)
p. 106 (Pommel)
p. 69 (Blade)
The grip was doeskin when he owned it and he wrote at some length about the patterns of wear on this soft material. Some owner post Oakeschott had the grip recovered with black leather and metal wire. It isn't unattractive but I would have preferred to have it as it was when Oakeschott owned it.
He identified it as a Riding Sword ca. 14th century. It is unclear whether or not it was monkeyed with over the years. Then again, weapons were indeed altered and regripped and rehilted as much as a result of wear and tear as of the impact of current fashion.
In spite of my best efforts, I have been unable to cast any light on the makers marks on the blade.
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