Sword

Date1050–1150

Mediumsteel

Dimensions98.5 × 4.9 × 85.7 × 16 cm (38 3/4 × 1 15/16 × 33 3/4 × 6 5/16 in.), 1 lb, 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsThe fullers of the blades are cut with deep grooves, apparently for inlays long lost. One face incised " + III +" The other "III + III." The cross-like marks are comprised of a square standing on one face, with "T"-shaped projections from the corners.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.59

DescriptionSteel blade. Oakeshott's type XA or XI. Double-edged, lenticular or hexagonal section, with broad, shallow central fuller on both faces extending to about 5" from tip. Fullers are about 1/3 blade width, with parallel sides tapering to point only from about 3/4 of length. At end of fullers blade becomes rather elliptical in section to the sharp point. Edges are parallel on upper third, narrowing in graduated curves to point.

Tang is broad, made for 1 hand, & narrows acutely on its upper half. Flat, of rectangular section, & passes through top of pommel (Oakeshott's type A "Brazil nut"). This is wide, rather flat on bottom, triangular in section, with sharp top. A small wedge of iron has been inserted between the tang and pommel to stabilize the join; this is evidently a modern addition.

Straight crossguard of square section, with no apparent taper.
Label TextAlthough now in greatly reduced condition, this medieval sword was probably once the pride and joy of its knightly owner, around the time of the First Crusade. Running down the center of the blade is a trough known as a "fuller," serving to lighten and stiffen the weapon (not a "blood groove" as widely believed). The markings carved into the fuller once held inlaid decoration of a contrasting metal, possibly brass, in the shape of crosses and triple stripes. Such decorations, meant to bring good fortune in battle, were common on medieval swords.ProvenanceCarl Claes (Mulhausen, Thuer, Germany) Henry G. Walters (Baltimore, MD) American Art Association/Anderson Galleries, sale no. 4075. Purchased by Museum on January 12, 1934 from the American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), lot #410 in the Walters Sale, #4075. Price paid, $17.50, included HAM#s 2036.1-3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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