Help with identifying inlays (marks) on an Oakeshott XIIIa-type sword

Richard R. · 24th July 2026, 03:38 PM

I am seeking help in identifying two inlays on an Oakeshott Type XIIIa sword (see photos).

The sword appears to date from the first half of the 14th century. It has a total length of approximately 125 cm, a blade length of 99 cm, and a total weight of 2044 g. It looks very similar to the Type XIIIa sword at the Museum of London, which has a 100 cm blade.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
Richard

AHorsa · 25th July 2026, 07:16 AM

Is there any provenience? To me it looks a bit suspect.

KR
Andreas

Richard R. · 25th July 2026, 05:23 PM

This sword was once auctioned off at an auction held by the Fischer Gallery in Lucerne under the supervision of expert Dr. Rudolf Beglinger.

AHorsa · 25th July 2026, 06:03 PM

Okay anyway. I am not an expert. The geometric inlay is typical for the 14th and 15th century. From the literature I have the feeling that those structures mainly appears on eastern European swords (todays Czech republic, Slovenia, Poland etc ). I'll add some literature later. The heraldic shield also fits well in that time, but as it has no very individual attributes and colours, it will get hard to find out of which family it belonged.

Edit: In "ninth to mid 16th century swords from the czech republic" there are some of there geometrical marks. But I couldn´t find an identical one.

KR
Andreas

24th July 2026, 03:38 PM	#1
Richard R. Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 29	Help with identifying inlays (marks) on an Oakeshott XIIIa-type sword I am seeking help in identifying two inlays on an Oakeshott Type XIIIa sword (see photos). The sword appears to date from the first half of the 14th century. It has a total length of approximately 125 cm, a blade length of 99 cm, and a total weight of 2044 g. It looks very similar to the Type XIIIa sword at the Museum of London, which has a 100 cm blade. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you. Richard Attached Images

25th July 2026, 06:03 PM	#4
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 395	Okay anyway. I am not an expert. The geometric inlay is typical for the 14th and 15th century. From the literature I have the feeling that those structures mainly appears on eastern European swords (todays Czech republic, Slovenia, Poland etc ). I'll add some literature later. The heraldic shield also fits well in that time, but as it has no very individual attributes and colours, it will get hard to find out of which family it belonged. Edit: In "ninth to mid 16th century swords from the czech republic" there are some of there geometrical marks. But I couldn´t find an identical one. KR Andreas Last edited by AHorsa; 25th July 2026 at 08:41 PM.

25th July 2026, 07:16 AM	#2
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 395	Is there any provenience? To me it looks a bit suspect. KR Andreas

25th July 2026, 05:23 PM	#3
Richard R. Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 29	This sword was once auctioned off at an auction held by the Fischer Gallery in Lucerne under the supervision of expert Dr. Rudolf Beglinger.