Circa 1470 Venetian Arming Swor

Here we have a very interesting sword. A late medieval arming sword with what appears to be a blade very similar to a type XII using Oakeshott typology of blades with a pommel similar to a type S.

What makes this sword interesting is what appears to be an oversized crossguard and a slightly elongated handle that would more commonly be seen on a longsword or hand and a half sword but would’ve given this arming sword some extra leverage and the ability to use it in a two handed fashion if it was ever a practical sword.

The tip is of the sword has been spatulated or ground down after damage so this sword is completely cut focused without much potential for armour penetration. Though with this sword being made around the time gunpowder weapons were introduced it may not have needed to deal with armour.

The fuller is wide and goes three quarters down the length of the blade. There is a distal and a profile taper.

The point of balance is 5.5 inches down the blade.

The blade has been marked with the German wolf trade mark in what appears to be bronze.

~ Dimensions ~

The sword is 41 inches (104 cm) long.

The blade is 32 inches (81 cm) long.

The guard is 9 inches (23 cm) across.

The sword weighs 1.3 Kg.

~ Condition ~

The sword is in good condition for its age.

The sword has pitted and blackened along its entire blade.

The cross guard has rusted and fused with the blade.

ref. GS707BC5A