Description
This sword was made as a practical weapon, built to endure the harsh demands of battle with a straightforward design and sturdy construction. The pommel, though it looks solid and heavy, is actually hollow,its raised rims were carefully brazed onto an inner iron disc. At King Henry’s funeral, the recessed areas of the pommel were gilded and adorned with painted red crosses, signaling both rank and reverence. The sword hung above Henry’s chantry in Westminster Abbey until it was stored away in an old chest. Rediscovered in 1951 and cleaned by Oakeshott himself, it was reunited with the king’s other martial relics,his helm, shield, and saddle,in the Abbey’s museum. The blade bears marks of repeated sharpening, showing it saw actual use. The original grip has been lost over time; the current wooden grip is a rough substitute. This weapon is categorized as a type XVIII sword in Oakeshott’s Records of the Medieval Sword.
Henry, as a sixteen-year-old prince, narrowly escaped death when an arrow pierced his face. Later, as king, he led a small force of knights and archers to a stunning victory against a much larger French army at the Battle of Agincourt,an event that cemented his place in English military history.
This replica by Windlass Steelcrafts follows the original’s dimensions and form closely. The blade is somewhat hollow ground, allowing for swift cutting and thrusting. It comes sharpened and balances with a lively feel in the hand. The hollow pommel is faithfully reproduced and features gold plating in the recessed areas, with red enamel crosses on each side,enamel chosen for its durability over paint. This is a fully functional battle sword replica, combining a restrained design with the practical qualities required on the medieval battlefield. It includes a top-grain leather scabbard and belt for carrying.
