Henry V Sword
Type XVIII - (History Lives!) -
Original: Dates before 1422. Westminster Abbey, England. Type XVIII,
Pommel-type: J.1 Cross-style: 9
This sword probably hung above the chantry of
King Henry V until it either fell, or was taken down and stowed away in
an old chest in a room in the S. Triforium.
Henry V, British monarch of the early 15th century,
was not just a ruler but an accomplished warrior who began fighting as
early as age fourteen, when he fought the Welsh forces of Owain Glyndwr.
Throughout his life, Henry V fought in many battles, including against
the French in the 100 Years War. It is no wonder then that he would have
chosen such a practical, no-nonsense weapon.
Ewart Oakeshott described this sword as "one of
the most beautiful medieval swords to handle I have ever known."
He also stated " In 1951 I spent a good deal of time with it."
We (Generation 2) has replicated this sword
from a drawing given to us by Hank Reinhardt before his death. He
have painstakingly recreated this sword according to his specifications.
Hank requested that the sword have the hollow
pommel and that the blade be hollow-ground just like the original.
He also said to try to come as near 2 lb.. which is what the original weighs.
Ours came in at 2 lb.. 13 oz., a little heavier.
But here is where it is heavier. We are not capable of casting a
hollow pommel, which certainly would have been lighter than our hollow
pommel. I do not mind explaining how we made our pommel, so that
you can judge for yourself the time we put into making this replica sword.
We started with 1/8" plate steel and made
the circular band. Then we took two more 1/8" thick plate and made
the front and back of the pommel, welded them together, ground and polished
it smooth. I do believe this is where our extra weight comes from.
This sword does exemplifies attributes of a knightly
sword of the highest quality . It has superb balance making it an
exceptional fighting sword and excellent control of point for thrusting.
Features:
The blade of this sword is hand forged from 5160
carbon steel and hand tempered.
Hollow ground blade as the original
Leather wrapped handle.
The pommel is hollow as the original sword and
cross guard is solid carbon steel.
Full wide tang that is peened over top of the
pommel..
Wood scabbard wrapped in leather with steel accents.
Size:
Blade length: 27 1/2"
Handle/Hilt length: 6 1/4"
Grip Length: 3 3/4"
Overall: 34 1/2"
Quillion Length (Across): 8"
Point of Balance: 3 1/2" Below Hilt
Weight: 2 lb. 13 oz.
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