Oakeshott Type XVI Sword

[Jack Loomes]

Sword, ca. 1400
Western European
Steel, silver, copper, leather
L. 40 1/4 in. (102.3 cm)
The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932 (32.75.225)
Last Updated July 23, 2013

The silver-embellished pommel and the crossguard made of copper (rather than steel) wrapped with silver wire suggest that this sword was intended for presentation or for ceremonial use rather than for battle. The Latin quotation inscribed on the pommel reads (in translation): "Here, too, virtue has its due reward" (Virgil, Aeneid, Book 1, line 461). The inscription (now illegible) on the blade is an early example of the use of acid to etch decoration on weapons.

For more information regarding Type XVI swords see this extract from Ewart Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword: sword-site.com/thread/183/oakeshott-xviii-xviiia-records-medieval

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Source: www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/32.75.225