The Albion Norman
Sept 10, 2012 7:21:42 GMT
Post by Rifleman Lizard on Sept 10, 2012 7:21:42 GMT
The Albion Norman
A shockingly short look at history
The Norman empire came alive during the 10th century. Hailing from the Duchy of Normandy (now part of northern France) they decided to head across the channel and cause trouble for the Anglo-Saxon English.
It was the army of William the Bastard that conquered our tiny part of the world and he was crowned King of Albion in 1066. Now he was William the Conqueror... probably a better name to live with.
The Battle of Hastings effectively closed the case but fighting with the now rebel English continued for several months, until more cities were sacked and the remnants of the Anglo Saxon military were scattered to the fields.
Some left for greener pastures (such as Scandinavia and the Byzantine empire) but many met the maker at the hands of their invaders.
Their empire gradually transformed England and the Normans refined structured education, the strategies of feudal warfare, the governing administration as well as the clergy.
At their apex the Normans had also expanded into the Holy Land, Southern Italy, Sicily and the coastal regions of North Africa.
Normans were a Christian people, so when Pope Urban II initiated the First Crusade in 1096 (a response to Turk-Persian aggression in Antolia) plenty of angry Normans were willing to join in and rampage their way through the Muslim cities of Antioch and Jerusalem.
The Normans were now Crusaders. Stealing control of the Holy Land from the Muslim dynasty, they directly contributed to the formation of the Crusader States. Later these were recaptured by a resurgence of very pissed off Saracens, under the expert leadership of Saladin.
During their decline the Normans demonstrated what was perhaps their greatest skill of all. They integrated with the indigenous people of these lands and their neighbouring cultures were fused together with the Norman legacy.
The echoes of their empire can still be realised today and their contributions to the arts, architecture and warcraft forever changed the developing world.
The armour of the day was a far cry from the full-plate of later centuries and this is stressed in the visible characteristics of this particular sword.
Similar to earlier Viking pieces but with few extra inches, it comes across as a very sensible weapon of war.
It is easy to see this sword in the hands of the front line man-at-arms; using one hand to hack at his foes while clutching a sturdy kite shield in the other.
There are no royal airs and graces to be found here. This is a soldier’s sword.
Specifications
Classification: Oakeshott Type Xa
Total length: 98cm
Blade length: 84cm
Blade width: 5cm
Centre of gravity: 15.5cm
Centre of percussion: 55cm
Weight: 2lbs and 8.5oz
Full disclosure
I bought this sword over six months ago via MyArmoury. I nicked it in great condition and with no problems or complications.
The previous owner disclosed a small patch of oxidised discolouration but this was easily removed with a solid deep clean, using the magical grey scotch brite and mineral oil combo.
I have no affiliation with Albion Armourers.
Introduction
As far as European single handers go, I usually prefer a vicious taper and an acute point but something about the Norman sword shouted for me to buy it.
It was something new to explore and that curiosity, combined with a reasonable asking price made it a done deal.
I should probably slow down on my intake but I’m always too eager to learn and get my hands on new steel. We only live once so maybe it’s better to live by the sword (and die poor).
Onto the sword then!
The following pictures can be enlarged by clicking on each image.
A no frills, campaign line scabbard was included in the purchase. It is a dark brown leather that matches the grip wrap. A steel “U” chape sits tightly at the tip.
It is very well secured with no glue or resin at the joints.
The core is well carved and the wood properly aligns to the blade fullers when the sword is sheathed.
Inserting the blade one way gives a tight and secure grip... but inserting it the other way and the fit is found to be less than perfect, so much so that it will simply slide away when the sword is lifted.
The type 1 cross guard arcs gently and evenly on both ends. It is narrow but strong with no wobble in any direction. It is very well done and the guard is completely flush with the shoulders and the handle.
I think this simple, angular design gives it a raw no-nonsense appeal, shining a light on function first and getting straight down to business.
Beyond the guard, the grip wrap is very tight and shows clear ridges between both risers. There are no ragged cuts of leather or even so much as a visible seam.
The handle measures up at 9.5cm and is very comfortable in the hand. It seems perfect for one handed use but too short for a two handed grip. Perhaps it is possible to grip the pommel, but this feels unnatural and a little clumsy.
I find earlier Viking swords to be similar in this respect; excellent in one paw but not so great in two.
At the blunt end of the sword sits a heavy and solid Type G pommel. It isn’t spherical or perfectly disc-shaped and the “turns” are more acute closer to the grip. Much like the other fittings the pommel is strong, spartan and unembellished.
Getting a smack in the nose from this will make your eyes water! Thick, chunky, built for purpose.
There is no peen block or visible assembly to the tang.
Moving onto the blade, I find the most striking features are the long and wide fullers carved into both sides.
They are each 2 cm wide at the cross guard and 71 cm in length. Both are very neat, with clear lines and no visible deviations.
With a gradual taper, it gives off a very mean and powerful appearance, one well suited to the broad fullered blade profile.
Broad shoulders, a long reach and a healthy thickness suggest the Norman is a heavy weapon, but it is also well balanced and certainly more agile than it first appears.
The tip of the sword is sharp but not brittle and inspecting the edges of the blade reveals no unwanted bevels. No nasty surprises there, just sharp and smooth steel 6cm from the shoulders to the tip of the business end. The finish is the usual satin.
Handling
The blade provides a long extended reach and is capable of strong and heavy thrusts.
Despite the seemingly short hilt and long blade it is still very capable of balanced, powerful sweeps and multiple strokes without much flexion.
The circular pommel stays clear of the wrist and doesn’t get in the way like larger, more elaborate designs.
It’s no shaving razor but the edge is properly sharpened and reinforced. I can’t see it chipping or rolling with normal use.
*Get James’ video edit*
Conclusion
The Albion Norman is a beautifully crafted weapon. Every part of it lives up to the quality standards collectors openly expect from Albion Armourers.
Some like a little more flair in their swords and with its simple and austere looks the Norman doesn’t appeal to everyone, nonetheless it’s very much a strong piece that will compliment any collection.
The only con I can see is the price tag but you do get what you pay for.
If you can get one of these from a private sale and for a little less than the retail price, you absolutely won’t regret it.
I was going to pass this sword along and sell it, but after taking a fresh look at it I’ve
decided to keep it for the long haul!
Brutal, simple, efficient.
The Norman sword has it all where it counts.
P.S and friendly reminder: The Albion photography competition closes next Saturday. If you haven’t already submitted your shot, you should do it this upcoming week. I chose to use the Vigil in my submission.
Don’t miss out, fellas.
Thanks for reading.
A shockingly short look at history
The Norman empire came alive during the 10th century. Hailing from the Duchy of Normandy (now part of northern France) they decided to head across the channel and cause trouble for the Anglo-Saxon English.
It was the army of William the Bastard that conquered our tiny part of the world and he was crowned King of Albion in 1066. Now he was William the Conqueror... probably a better name to live with.
The Battle of Hastings effectively closed the case but fighting with the now rebel English continued for several months, until more cities were sacked and the remnants of the Anglo Saxon military were scattered to the fields.
Some left for greener pastures (such as Scandinavia and the Byzantine empire) but many met the maker at the hands of their invaders.
Their empire gradually transformed England and the Normans refined structured education, the strategies of feudal warfare, the governing administration as well as the clergy.
At their apex the Normans had also expanded into the Holy Land, Southern Italy, Sicily and the coastal regions of North Africa.
Normans were a Christian people, so when Pope Urban II initiated the First Crusade in 1096 (a response to Turk-Persian aggression in Antolia) plenty of angry Normans were willing to join in and rampage their way through the Muslim cities of Antioch and Jerusalem.
The Normans were now Crusaders. Stealing control of the Holy Land from the Muslim dynasty, they directly contributed to the formation of the Crusader States. Later these were recaptured by a resurgence of very pissed off Saracens, under the expert leadership of Saladin.
During their decline the Normans demonstrated what was perhaps their greatest skill of all. They integrated with the indigenous people of these lands and their neighbouring cultures were fused together with the Norman legacy.
The echoes of their empire can still be realised today and their contributions to the arts, architecture and warcraft forever changed the developing world.
The armour of the day was a far cry from the full-plate of later centuries and this is stressed in the visible characteristics of this particular sword.
Similar to earlier Viking pieces but with few extra inches, it comes across as a very sensible weapon of war.
It is easy to see this sword in the hands of the front line man-at-arms; using one hand to hack at his foes while clutching a sturdy kite shield in the other.
There are no royal airs and graces to be found here. This is a soldier’s sword.
Specifications
Classification: Oakeshott Type Xa
Total length: 98cm
Blade length: 84cm
Blade width: 5cm
Centre of gravity: 15.5cm
Centre of percussion: 55cm
Weight: 2lbs and 8.5oz
Full disclosure
I bought this sword over six months ago via MyArmoury. I nicked it in great condition and with no problems or complications.
The previous owner disclosed a small patch of oxidised discolouration but this was easily removed with a solid deep clean, using the magical grey scotch brite and mineral oil combo.
I have no affiliation with Albion Armourers.
Introduction
As far as European single handers go, I usually prefer a vicious taper and an acute point but something about the Norman sword shouted for me to buy it.
It was something new to explore and that curiosity, combined with a reasonable asking price made it a done deal.
I should probably slow down on my intake but I’m always too eager to learn and get my hands on new steel. We only live once so maybe it’s better to live by the sword (and die poor).
Onto the sword then!
The following pictures can be enlarged by clicking on each image.
A no frills, campaign line scabbard was included in the purchase. It is a dark brown leather that matches the grip wrap. A steel “U” chape sits tightly at the tip.
It is very well secured with no glue or resin at the joints.
The core is well carved and the wood properly aligns to the blade fullers when the sword is sheathed.
Inserting the blade one way gives a tight and secure grip... but inserting it the other way and the fit is found to be less than perfect, so much so that it will simply slide away when the sword is lifted.
The type 1 cross guard arcs gently and evenly on both ends. It is narrow but strong with no wobble in any direction. It is very well done and the guard is completely flush with the shoulders and the handle.
I think this simple, angular design gives it a raw no-nonsense appeal, shining a light on function first and getting straight down to business.
Beyond the guard, the grip wrap is very tight and shows clear ridges between both risers. There are no ragged cuts of leather or even so much as a visible seam.
The handle measures up at 9.5cm and is very comfortable in the hand. It seems perfect for one handed use but too short for a two handed grip. Perhaps it is possible to grip the pommel, but this feels unnatural and a little clumsy.
I find earlier Viking swords to be similar in this respect; excellent in one paw but not so great in two.
At the blunt end of the sword sits a heavy and solid Type G pommel. It isn’t spherical or perfectly disc-shaped and the “turns” are more acute closer to the grip. Much like the other fittings the pommel is strong, spartan and unembellished.
Getting a smack in the nose from this will make your eyes water! Thick, chunky, built for purpose.
There is no peen block or visible assembly to the tang.
Moving onto the blade, I find the most striking features are the long and wide fullers carved into both sides.
They are each 2 cm wide at the cross guard and 71 cm in length. Both are very neat, with clear lines and no visible deviations.
With a gradual taper, it gives off a very mean and powerful appearance, one well suited to the broad fullered blade profile.
Broad shoulders, a long reach and a healthy thickness suggest the Norman is a heavy weapon, but it is also well balanced and certainly more agile than it first appears.
The tip of the sword is sharp but not brittle and inspecting the edges of the blade reveals no unwanted bevels. No nasty surprises there, just sharp and smooth steel 6cm from the shoulders to the tip of the business end. The finish is the usual satin.
Handling
The blade provides a long extended reach and is capable of strong and heavy thrusts.
Despite the seemingly short hilt and long blade it is still very capable of balanced, powerful sweeps and multiple strokes without much flexion.
The circular pommel stays clear of the wrist and doesn’t get in the way like larger, more elaborate designs.
It’s no shaving razor but the edge is properly sharpened and reinforced. I can’t see it chipping or rolling with normal use.
*Get James’ video edit*
Conclusion
The Albion Norman is a beautifully crafted weapon. Every part of it lives up to the quality standards collectors openly expect from Albion Armourers.
Some like a little more flair in their swords and with its simple and austere looks the Norman doesn’t appeal to everyone, nonetheless it’s very much a strong piece that will compliment any collection.
The only con I can see is the price tag but you do get what you pay for.
If you can get one of these from a private sale and for a little less than the retail price, you absolutely won’t regret it.
I was going to pass this sword along and sell it, but after taking a fresh look at it I’ve
decided to keep it for the long haul!
Brutal, simple, efficient.
The Norman sword has it all where it counts.
P.S and friendly reminder: The Albion photography competition closes next Saturday. If you haven’t already submitted your shot, you should do it this upcoming week. I chose to use the Vigil in my submission.
Don’t miss out, fellas.
Thanks for reading.