Longsword ("hand-and-a-half" sword)

Date1350–1425

Mediumsteel and iron

Dimensions120 × 91.8 × 5.4 × 24 cm (47 1/4 × 36 1/8 × 2 1/8 × 9 7/16 in.), 3 lb, 3 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsBoth faces of tang with stamped set of 3 rectangular marks. One face of blade forte with hexagonal, wedge-like mark having apical projecting line, once probably brass-inlaid (now lost); perhaps part of a stylized cross.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.45

DescriptionExcavated. Black gunmetal patina suggestive of a river find. Triangular, cut-and-thrust double-edged blade, tapering uniformly to acute point. Flattened hexagonal section with wide medial fuller on both faces, beginning on the tang, fading out just below half of length where blade essentially elliptical section to point. Wide crossguard of rectangular section, without taper, having straight terminals. Arms gently curved towards blade. Long, strong tang of rectangular section, parallel-sided over 3/4 of length whence tapers into pommel through which it passes and is peened at end. Thick, heavy, discoid oval pommel flattened at ends, with chamfered edges.
Label TextThe longsword is the two-in-one shampoo and conditioner of swords. The grip is long enough to accommodate two hands, but the sword is lightweight enough to be used one-handed. This meant that on foot it could be wielded two-handed for stronger blows, while on horseback the second hand could hold the reins. But like other two-in-one combinations, the longsword had limitations. In one hand, it was harder to manage than a smaller sword, and in two hands, it didn’t have the power and reach of a true two-handed sword.ProvenanceUnrecorded European owner. Purchased from Mr. Peter Finer, Warwickshire, England on 3 October 1996. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014

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