brief notes on a 16th century sword

[Cerjak]

The later wire bound grip and the excellent condition of this sword may actually contribute to distrust about the age of this sword.
But in no way a pristine condition or the lack of signs of age or use could attest that this sword is from modern period because we don’t have any information about is origin and also his way of preservation. With pictures in low resolution ,we can only see the general shape of this sword and we could only debate on the different components on this sword.
So the first questions are :Pommel, blade , quillons are matching together? The style is correct for the period?
Jasper has bring us some evidence with all the representation in old paints that the style of the sword is correct for the period.
The second step is to try to detect any signs of modern production.
And last step who requiring:experience and knowledge : In hands , is it to try to determinate if this weapons could be an efficient ,if it is the case the probability to be a modern sword should be near to zero.
For the 2 last steps no one in this forum could contest to Jasperhis maturity of judgment.
It is a very nice broad sword that I would be happy to add in my collection, looks to me like an Oakeshott Type XX blade also in my eyes( it is only my tast ) the wire bound grip is likely to impair the beauty of this sword
Jasper ,how is the wood under the wire bound grip ,could you see it ?
best

Jean-Luc

[Reventlov]

I am likely guilty of sharing Marius' paranoia as well.... no need to repeat the misgivings.

I can offer one physical example that can support the possible dating - it shares some similar features vis-a-vis the form of the pommel and blade. I agree with Jean-Luc that comparisons should be sought among type XX swords.

Mark

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Reventlov

I am likely guilty of sharing Marius' paranoia as well.... no need to repeat the misgivings.

I can offer one physical example that can support the possible dating - it shares some similar features vis-a-vis the form of the pommel and blade. I agree with Jean-Luc that comparisons should be sought among type XX swords.

Mark

No problem, my first reaction to photos of this sword was skeptical but differs from my opinion now.

thanks for the good example of a similar type Oakeshott XX , I know the sword, it is at the moment in the Spiš Museum in Slovakia.
I know a few more examples of similar blades on 16th century swords.



@ Jean-Luc
thanks for the compliments.
actually it is not as pristine as you would expect, the surface of the blade is shiny but it has the structure and pitting that you would expect in a well-kept old blade with some nicks on the cutting edge at the blade node/approx.3/4 length.
the sandwich wooden grip is dark and old, the binding is probably redone in the 17thC.

best,
Jasper

[ulfberth]

Hello Jasper,

Congratulations with this beautiful sword !
I have no doubt this sword is an original in all parts and indeed from the first quarter of the 16th century.
For me the pictures are clear enough to see this in the details.
I have a bit experience in the field of looking with a loupe at details and carbon content in things , it was my job for over 30 years.

Magnificent sword !

Kind regards

Ulfberth

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

Hello Jasper,

Congratulations with this beautiful sword !
I have no doubt this sword is an original in all parts and indeed from the first quarter of the 16th century.
For me the pictures are clear enough to see this in the details.
I have a bit experience in the field of looking with a loupe at details and carbon content in things , it was my job for over 30 years.

Magnificent sword !

Kind regards

Ulfberth

Hi Dirk,

your expertise in the field of swords and opinion is greatly appreciated, I share your point of view in this.

thanks for the congratulation. However the sword is already a few years in my possession.

best,
Jasper