Description
Circa 1435
This sword, taken from the funeral brass of Sir Roger Elmbrygge, offers a clear glimpse into the weaponry crafted to meet the challenges posed by late medieval plate armor. By the mid-15th century, armorers had fashioned suits that shielded nearly every part of a knight’s body, leaving only narrow gaps at joints and visor slits vulnerable to attack. To exploit these openings, blades were forged with sharply pointed tips designed for precise thrusting, yet maintained enough breadth to deliver cutting strikes when the chance presented itself. The blade of this sword is forged from fully tempered high carbon steel, a process that balances hardness with flexibility, allowing the blade to endure the rigors of combat without breaking. The grip, carved from wood and tightly wrapped in leather cord, offers a secure hold with one hand, while the brass fittings protect the hand and help balance the weapon for swift handling. This sword exemplifies the practical craftsmanship that a knight depended upon, combining protection and offense in equal measure. The scabbard, made to shield the blade from damage, completes this authentic example of a mid-15th-century thrusting sword.
- Overall length: 38-3⁄4″
- Blade length: 32″, width: 1-7/8″, thickness: 3/16″
- Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
Fun fact: The term “Effigy Blade” comes from the tradition of depicting a knight’s actual weapons on their funerary brass, preserving not only the likeness of the man but also the arms that defined his skill in battle.
