Longsword (hand-and-a-half sword)
Culturepossibly
French
Dateabout 1400
Mediumiron and steel
Dimensions88.3 × 24.1 × 66.7 cm (34 3/4 × 9 1/2 × 26 1/4 in.), 3 lbs, 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.58
DescriptionBlade 26", hilt about 8.5"; blade is rather short relative to the hilt. Blade of flattened diamond cross-section. Very robust crossbar, Type 8. Type J pommel with recessed center on both faces.Label TextThis sword was made around the year 1400, during the transition period between the mail coats of the Medieval Era and the plate armor of the Renaissance. Plate armor defends the wearer from slashing and cutting, rendering earlier medieval swords, which often had sharp edges and broad flattened blades, obsolete. So, sword makers of the late 1300s and 1400s had to innovate. They created tapered swords with sturdy diamond-shaped cross-sections, like this one, perfect for thrusting between two plates in a set of plate armor without breaking the blade.ProvenancePurchased through agent Ian Eaves (London) on January 24, 2011. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600–1650
