Medieval Euopean Sword

Ed · 15th October 2005, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darach

The pommel however does not look like any of his types.

I will be happy to check my references for you too.

A point to bear in mind is that hundreds of thousands of these objects were made in a broad geographical area over many years. Sotheby's Oakeschott, the Met, the RA the Wallace and so on have only touched a tiny fraction of the overall production. That said, objects that are different from established "types" do not signify worthiness. What I am driving at is that not having a match to your pommel in Oakeschott reflects little on your sword (on it's own).

Tinker Pearce · 18th October 2005, 07:49 PM

I'll second that- just because it isn't a defined pommel type doesn't mean that it is necessarily not authentic. Also amny swords were rehilted- sometimes hundreds of years after their original creation. Seeing the entire sword would be very helpfull.

Tim Simmons · 18th October 2005, 08:20 PM

I do not know much about medieval swords but I too find it annoying when people scoff at a piece because a it does not fit the typical picture published from an eminent persons, even fairly ordinary, or institutions collection, it is pontification from people who have no real idea of how many varied types and centers with rich or poor clients in a given time period were making swords and other artifacts, they surely cannot have every type. Aping ones betters comes to mind. Saying that, I do acknowledge that the frequent handling experience and observations of such collections must impart a great deal of knowledge and I would agree your swords pommel does raise questions as to whether it is medieval or a copy from the time of all that Sir Walter Scott romanticism, a picture of the blade would be helpful. Tim

tom hyle · 23rd October 2005, 06:56 PM

[QUOTE=Tim Simmons]I do not know much about medieval swords but I too find it annoying when people scoff at a piece because a it does not fit the typical picture published from an eminent persons, even fairly ordinary, or institutions collection, it is pontification from people who have no real idea of how many varied types and centers...... Tim[/QUOTE

But Tim, it can't be real if it's not in the book!

Tinker Pearce · 24th October 2005, 10:36 PM

thanks Andrew! I pretty much have to agree without 'the full picture' it's difficult to say much more than has been said- If the picture is too big feel free to email it to me- I can resize it easily enough and get it posted.

Andrew · 18th October 2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker Pearce

I'll second that- just because it isn't a defined pommel type doesn't mean that it is necessarily not authentic. Also amny swords were rehilted- sometimes hundreds of years after their original creation. Seeing the entire sword would be very helpfull.

Hi Tinker! Welcome.

ham · 19th October 2005, 03:15 AM

What little of the sword the image shows doesn't appear Medieval at all-- more likely Victorian. It would be interesting to see an overall shot at some point.

Ham

Mark · 19th October 2005, 08:09 PM

What strikes me is that the grip is apparently metal, and of one piece with the pommel, which is not something I have seen in a medieval sword in my somewhat limited experience.

Ahriman · 20th October 2005, 12:15 PM

This part disturbes me as well... A full picture would help much, as 740 g seems correct for a single-hand sword.

18th October 2005, 08:20 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	I do not know much about medieval swords but I too find it annoying when people scoff at a piece because a it does not fit the typical picture published from an eminent persons, even fairly ordinary, or institutions collection, it is pontification from people who have no real idea of how many varied types and centers with rich or poor clients in a given time period were making swords and other artifacts, they surely cannot have every type. Aping ones betters comes to mind. Saying that, I do acknowledge that the frequent handling experience and observations of such collections must impart a great deal of knowledge and I would agree your swords pommel does raise questions as to whether it is medieval or a copy from the time of all that Sir Walter Scott romanticism, a picture of the blade would be helpful. Tim Last edited by Tim Simmons; 18th October 2005 at 08:47 PM.

18th October 2005, 07:49 PM	#2
Tinker Pearce Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 2	I'll second that- just because it isn't a defined pommel type doesn't mean that it is necessarily not authentic. Also amny swords were rehilted- sometimes hundreds of years after their original creation. Seeing the entire sword would be very helpfull.

23rd October 2005, 06:56 PM	#4
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	[QUOTE=Tim Simmons]I do not know much about medieval swords but I too find it annoying when people scoff at a piece because a it does not fit the typical picture published from an eminent persons, even fairly ordinary, or institutions collection, it is pontification from people who have no real idea of how many varied types and centers...... Tim[/QUOTE But Tim, it can't be real if it's not in the book!

24th October 2005, 10:36 PM	#5
Tinker Pearce Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posts: 2	thanks Andrew! I pretty much have to agree without 'the full picture' it's difficult to say much more than has been said- If the picture is too big feel free to email it to me- I can resize it easily enough and get it posted.

19th October 2005, 03:15 AM	#7
ham Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 190	What little of the sword the image shows doesn't appear Medieval at all-- more likely Victorian. It would be interesting to see an overall shot at some point. Ham

19th October 2005, 08:09 PM	#8
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	What strikes me is that the grip is apparently metal, and of one piece with the pommel, which is not something I have seen in a medieval sword in my somewhat limited experience.

20th October 2005, 12:15 PM	#9
Ahriman Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hungary Posts: 72	This part disturbes me as well... A full picture would help much, as 740 g seems correct for a single-hand sword.