Description
Circa 1200-1300
This original sword, preserved at the Instituto del Conde de Valencia de Don Juan in Madrid, represents a classic example of the Type XII blade, a form well studied by the historian Ewart Oakeshott. He highlights its balanced proportions, essential for a blade designed to serve both on the battlefield and in the hands of a knight trained in the art of war.
The blade is forged from 1085 high carbon steel, prized for its toughness and capacity to hold a keen edge. It is constructed with a full tang, ensuring strength and stability throughout the hilt. After forging, the blade undergoes careful tempering to strike the right balance between hardness and flexibility, crucial for absorbing shocks without breaking. The tang is peened over the pommel to secure the blade firmly in place. The pommel is decorated with an inset of red and black wave-patterned leather, a practical detail that also enhances grip. The guard and fittings are cast brass with an aged finish, engraved with inscriptions in Latin and Spanish. Around the pommel, the Latin phrase “AVE MARIA PLENA GRATIA” (Hail Mary, full of grace) speaks to the deep religious faith of the era. The crossguard bears the Spanish inscription “DIOS ES VINCENTOR EN TOD” on one side and “O DIOS ES VINCENTOR EN TODO A” on the other, meaning “God is victorious in all,” a motto meant to bolster courage in the heat of battle.
The grip is fashioned from wood, wrapped in red leather and cross-hatched with black leather strips, secured by brass tacks. This design would have offered a reliable hold during combat, preventing the sword from slipping while allowing the wielder precise control. The sword is accompanied by a sturdy scabbard and a custom long belt set, both fitted with solid antiqued metal hardware, built to endure the demands of travel and warfare.
Fun fact: The Santa Casilda Sword’s inscriptions reveal how medieval warriors saw their swords not merely as tools of war but as spiritual protectors, often inscribed with prayers or blessings believed to guard the bearer in battle.
