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How historically accurate is this sword?

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Author	Topic: How historically accurate is this sword?
Mid Knight New Member	posted 08-24-2008 10:25 PM Hi, I am wondering how historically accurate (to medieval Europe) this sword is. http://www.armorvenue.com/medieval-swords/early-medieval-sword/ Thanks. -Dylan IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 08-24-2008 11:35 PM Hello, Dylan. I can't say for the details, particularly things like construction, because the image is too poor quality. However, the general design seems historical enough, though I doubt that the average knight or man-at-arms would have brass-plated pommel and guard. I would be more worried about the structural integrity of the piece, given the rather low price. Are you intending to use it for swinging and cutting, or for display only? IP: Logged
I.C. Koets Administrator	posted 08-25-2008 08:46 AM It has an authentic enough profile, and EN45 is a very good sword steel. It is a bit of a pity that they call it an early medieval sword, since it is actually quite clearly a very late medieval sword. This is a late 15th - early 16th century sword design. IP: Logged
Mid Knight New Member	posted 08-25-2008 01:56 PM Thanks for the replies! I would use it mostly for display, also for bringing to the Renaissance Festival and any other medieval/renaissance festivals. And (probably a really stupid question) why wouldn't they have brass? Thanks. -Dylan IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 08-25-2008 02:34 PM Swords used in combat tended to not have decoration. I won't say never, but as a rule combat weapons did not have decoration at all. Also, brass used to be valuable, I believe. IP: Logged
Marshal Member	posted 08-26-2008 12:21 AM I also wouldn't trust a soft metal like brass to protect my hand against a steel blade wielded with deadly intent. Fine for a basket hilt, perhaps, but not a crossguard. IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 08-26-2008 12:53 AM It might be only brass-plated. Or it might not be brass at all. I assumed that it was brass-plated from the picture. Dylan, the tough thing about choosing a sword is researching it. I had a hard time finding out whether or not prospective swords were durable. Eventually, it was common knowledge which convinced me. If enough well-informed people like a particular maker, then that maker is probably reliable. What you want to avoid is swinging or, especially, hitting things with a decorative sword. It is very dangerous; while you might get away with it for a little while, eventually something is going to fly off at high speeds. Sharp objects airborne at 90 M.P.H. isn't good for either you or anyone near you. If you plan on using the sword at all, instead of just bearing it, I recommend calling or e-mailing the distributor and asking them about its construction. In particular, I would ask about the tang; is it a full tang? Is it one piece with the blade (as opposed to welded on)? You want to avoid partial tangs, and don't even think about a rat-tail tang if you're going to even swing it. [This message has been edited by Benny Moore (edited 08-26-2008).] IP: Logged
I.C. Koets Administrator	posted 08-26-2008 12:21 PM Brass was used, as was brass plating. Especially for the higher end market. Decoration was a great way to mask production imperfections. In the case of plating, it is also a good rust countermeasure. Bear in mind also that many modern collectors and curators got the tattered remains of the decoration blasted or scoured off, giving the specimens we see in musea a more austere look than they originally had. If you plan on ever wielding it, try to find out first who made it. Many makers have a clear reputation. IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 08-26-2008 01:10 PM Are you perhaps thinking of bronze rather than brass? IP: Logged
I.C. Koets Administrator	posted 08-26-2008 01:53 PM Either was available in the later middle ages. Earlier is possible as well, by the way. It's a bit counterintuitive, because nowadays free zinc is used to make brass. In those days they could not make free zinc. The brass was obtained from zinc-polluted copper veins, pre-made brass if you will. IP: Logged
Mid Knight New Member	posted 08-26-2008 08:22 PM Thanks for all the replies! I contacted them a few days ago asking what the hilt is wrapped with, and still have no reply... IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 08-27-2008 03:59 AM Expect long waits. It often takes months to complete a purchase. IP: Logged
FullerH Administrator	posted 09-12-2008 12:19 PM I should be very careful about buying any sword at that price, especially one where the merchandiser does not specify the maker. W/o knowing who made it, nobody can make any kind of a reasonable guess regarding its quality. ------------------ Trying to walk in the Light, Hugh 1 John 1:5 IP: Logged
Kelvin Member	posted 09-20-2008 02:49 PM I googled the model number and another site that is selling it lists the maker as Deepeeka. You can see the listing here http://www.aurorahistoryboutique.com/ahb.cfm?a=R000234 IP: Logged
I.C. Koets Administrator	posted 09-21-2008 02:28 PM I don't have any personal experiences with Deepeeka, but their reputation is not good. Buyer beware! IP: Logged
Benny Moore Member	posted 09-22-2008 04:31 PM Deepeeka is an Indian producer, if I remember correctly. IP: Logged
FullerH Administrator	posted 09-22-2008 10:27 PM Depeeka is, indeed, an Indian company and it has a somewhat spotty but improving reputation for its Roman weaponry and equippage. I cannot speak to its High Medieval weaponry. ------------------ Trying to walk in the Light, Hugh 1 John 1:5 IP: Logged
Andrek Member	posted 11-05-2008 11:01 AM The quick answer here is that you can feel free to get that sword if you don't swing it. I don't carry Depeeka due to their reputation, and I wouldn't have buyers purchase a $100 wall hanger. That said, if you want to buy a sword that you can confidently swing at events, or just play around with, I like the Windlass Line myself (I as well have had luck with Cold Steel). You can find a similar sword (mid 1500's) here: http://www.usableweapons.com/store-products-200000--15th-Century-Longsword_40978853.html Though the cost is just over double what you would pay for the Depeeka. In either case, be sure that you are aware of the quality you purchase. As well be aware that I have a hard time keeping a sword at my side at festivals and events... though I am generally hired to run and entertain at them LoL ------------------ "Andrek, you are the GOF!" -Jennowynne Vice President of www.usableweapons.com IP: Logged

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