Archetypal Oakeshott Type XV Medieval Sword

[Jack Loomes]

*Editor's Note: If ever there were a classic, quintessential Oakeshott Type XV sword this is it.

Dated: 1350 - 1400

Place of Origin: France or England

Medium: Iron or steel, copper and cord

Measurements: Length: 95.4 cm; width: 6 cm, at guard; weight: 1.36 kg [after extensive corrosion, restoration and refinishing - sword would have been substantially heavier during original period of usage]; length (blade): 67.8 cm; balance point: 6.5 cm, forward of the guard block

Maker’s mark: inlaid in copper, 16.5cm from hilt

Although in excavated condition, this archetypal late-medieval fighting sword has survived the centuries extraordinarily well. Given its date, it may well have been carried into battle during the Hundred Years War between England and France, which began shortly before the famous Battle of Crécy in 1346.

Formerly in the comte de Nieuwerkerke’s collection, its earlier provenance is unknown, but there is a strong likelihood that it was found in France, the distinctive corrosion patterns on the blade indicating perhaps that it was a river find. The grip binding is a later (probably 19th century) restoration.

For more information on Oakeshott Type XV swords see this link: sword-site.com/thread/166/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Source: wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=60953&viewType=detailView