Description
Circa 1323
In the harsh encounter near Cassel, the French knights charged upon the steadfast Flemish foot soldiers. Though the Flemish pikemen stood firm, the sheer force and momentum of the mounted knights broke their lines, turning the tide of battle. This sword is typical of those carried by the French cavalrymen who pressed the attack that day. By the early 14th century, swords had begun to evolve beyond simple cutting tools into weapons shaped by both battlefield demands and emerging smithing techniques. The blade’s long, slender steel crossguard protects the hand without hindering swift movement. The steel pommel is carefully shaped to counterbalance the blade’s length, while the wooden grip, wrapped in twisted wire, provides a secure hold even in the grip of combat. This sword falls into the category known as a bastard sword,designed primarily for one-handed use but capable of being wielded with two hands when greater leverage was needed. Forged from well-tempered 1095 high carbon steel, the blade offers a hard edge that resists chipping while maintaining resilience under stress. The accompanying scabbard would have allowed the knight to carry the sword safely and draw it quickly when battle commenced.
- Overall length: 39-1/2″
- Blade length: 32″, width: 1-7/8″, thickness: 3/16″
- Weight: 3 lbs
Fun fact: The Cassel sword’s design marks a shift in knightly weaponry, as the rise of foot soldiers and polearms pushed swordsmiths to create blades that could both cut and thrust effectively on the evolving battlefield.
