Description
Circa 1237
The long contest for dominance between the German emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and the fiercely independent city-states of northern Italy shaped much of the later Middle Ages. One of the largest clashes in this struggle was the Battle of Cortenuova, where imperial forces struck a decisive blow against the Lombard League. This sword is typical of those carried by knights or men-at-arms on either side of that bloody field. Its blade, forged from sturdy steel, stretches over two and a half feet,crafted to deliver both cutting slashes and precise thrusts. The hilt is fitted with brass fittings, which add strength and resist corrosion, while the grip is wrapped in leather over a wooden core, ensuring a steady hold even amid the sweat and blood of combat. The scabbard, made to guard the blade when not in use, completes this one-handed weapon built for swift strikes and reliable defense.
- Overall length: 38-1⁄4″
- Blade: 32″ long, 2-1⁄2″ wide, 3⁄16″ thick
- Weight: 3 lbs
Fun fact: At the Battle of Cortenuova in 1237, Emperor Frederick II carried an eagle banner specially designed to rally his troops,a powerful emblem of imperial authority that spurred warriors forward in the heat of battle.
