Broadsword of the "Castillon" group
Date1400–1450
Mediumsteel with traces of organic materials from grip and scabbard
Dimensions92.7 × 73.7 × 5 × 21.5 cm (36 1/2 × 29 × 1 15/16 × 8 7/16 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.56
DescriptionExcavated condition. Blade of flattened diamond section, shortish relative to the largish hilt. Very large pommel of type J, surmounted by a truncated pyramid serving as the tang button. Crossbar perhaps of hexagonal cross-section, tapering into round at the tips, which turn toward the blade. Retains traces of grip and scabbard.Label TextThe diamond-shaped cross-section of this sword was developed in response to plate armor: swords like this could penetrate the gaps in a suit of armor and pierce the protective mail armor underneath. This sword is one of the most intact examples from a highly important cache of swords excavated from in the River Dordogne in France. These swords were lost on July 17, 1453, by the retreating English forces at Castillon, the final battle of the Hundred Years' War. ProvenancePurchased through Ian Eaves (London) from Andrew Lumley (London) on 12/12/07. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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