Albion Burgundian
Jun 25, 2014 10:13:27 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jun 25, 2014 10:13:27 GMT
I purchased this sword directly from Albion. I have no business or personal relationship with Albion.
Burgundian:
Overall length: 39.125"
Blade length: 32.25"
Blade width: 1.87"
CoG: 4.25"
CoP: 21.75"
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Oakeshott typology: Type XVIII
XVIII Common Attributes:
◾Broad blade: 2-2.5"
◾Flattened-diamond cross-section along entire length
◾Slightly convex, tapering edges
◾Sharp point
◾Medium-length grip of 3.75-4" with raised central portion
◾Pommel of wheel or scent-stopper form
◾Curved cross
Type XVIII blades are broad at the base, They are of flattened or hollow-ground diamond sections. The blades taper to a strong thrusting point and sometimes feature a pronounced central ridge. The blades profile is slightly convex and has a decent width at the Center of Percussion.
History: The 15th century plate armor provided outstanding body protection for those with the means to buy it. To combat this plate armor by sword, it required a strong, acute point that could probe the gaps and also split the mail rings often worn under the armor. On the other hand, many on the field of battle did not have the means to be as well defended as others. The average soldier was often outfitted with helm and jack of plate or brigandine. These fellows were susceptible to thrusts and cuts that could take them out of the fight by amputation, decapitation or devastating wounds.
The battlefield at this time favored a thrust and cut type sword. According to Oakeshott, Type XVIII and its subtypes were "the most widely used swords between c. 1410 and 1510 all over Europe". These types of blades were around in one form or another as long ago as the second century B.C. and as recently as the 18th century.
Albion Description:
This sword is named with an eye to the powerful and dynamic Burgundian lords of the 15th C. A few swords of this style have survived to our times. You can see examples in the Cluny museum in Paris, the Wallace Collection in London and the Schweizerischen Landesmuseum in Zürich. The sculpting of the hilts are expertly done, making the most of line, plane and volume. The effect is similar to the frozen growth of foliage in late gothic wood sculptures.
The guard shares some elements of design with the pommel, in the cutouts and ridges that define the shape. This is unusual in Medieval swords where the guard is normally quite distinct from the pommel in character. Sometimes there are exceptions and this seemed like a good occasion to let the whole hilt show variations of the same form elements.
Hilts like this, with strongly sculpted volumes, sit particularly well on blades that are defined by deeply concave edge bevels and prominent sharp midribs.
It can often be difficult to pinpoint a geographic origin for medieval sword types. Oakeshott believed that it would not be unreasonable to see a north west European association for type V pommels.
The Burgundian's mass is mostly centered to the upper half of the blade, close to the hilt and in the rather massive pommel. The thick spine of the blade provides good stiffness. This means the sword is maneuverable and powerful, with good thrusting capabilities.
Observations: This is a very attractive sword. The hollow-ground blade is well done and tapers to a well defined point. Albion really excels on their hollow-ground blades which I have yet to find an equal.
The grip is of the standard Albion cord over-wrap design and possesses three separate cord risers at the front, rear and middle of the grip. The fittings are well done without too much bling but are quite attractive. The sword is not light or heavy but is well balanced and feels like it has authority that will transfer into a wicked thruster and hard hitting cutter. Though not a dedicated cutter, I feel this blade design is more than capable of inflicting serious damage.
Conclusion:
Great total package in a cut and thrust design. There are actually no negatives from the couple years I have owned the sword. Albion has done an excellent job in producing this model from Peter Johnsson's research to the final product. This sword offers buyers an opportunity to own a weapon that has a unique visual design and great handling.
Burgundian:
Overall length: 39.125"
Blade length: 32.25"
Blade width: 1.87"
CoG: 4.25"
CoP: 21.75"
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Oakeshott typology: Type XVIII
XVIII Common Attributes:
◾Broad blade: 2-2.5"
◾Flattened-diamond cross-section along entire length
◾Slightly convex, tapering edges
◾Sharp point
◾Medium-length grip of 3.75-4" with raised central portion
◾Pommel of wheel or scent-stopper form
◾Curved cross
Type XVIII blades are broad at the base, They are of flattened or hollow-ground diamond sections. The blades taper to a strong thrusting point and sometimes feature a pronounced central ridge. The blades profile is slightly convex and has a decent width at the Center of Percussion.
History: The 15th century plate armor provided outstanding body protection for those with the means to buy it. To combat this plate armor by sword, it required a strong, acute point that could probe the gaps and also split the mail rings often worn under the armor. On the other hand, many on the field of battle did not have the means to be as well defended as others. The average soldier was often outfitted with helm and jack of plate or brigandine. These fellows were susceptible to thrusts and cuts that could take them out of the fight by amputation, decapitation or devastating wounds.
The battlefield at this time favored a thrust and cut type sword. According to Oakeshott, Type XVIII and its subtypes were "the most widely used swords between c. 1410 and 1510 all over Europe". These types of blades were around in one form or another as long ago as the second century B.C. and as recently as the 18th century.
Albion Description:
This sword is named with an eye to the powerful and dynamic Burgundian lords of the 15th C. A few swords of this style have survived to our times. You can see examples in the Cluny museum in Paris, the Wallace Collection in London and the Schweizerischen Landesmuseum in Zürich. The sculpting of the hilts are expertly done, making the most of line, plane and volume. The effect is similar to the frozen growth of foliage in late gothic wood sculptures.
The guard shares some elements of design with the pommel, in the cutouts and ridges that define the shape. This is unusual in Medieval swords where the guard is normally quite distinct from the pommel in character. Sometimes there are exceptions and this seemed like a good occasion to let the whole hilt show variations of the same form elements.
Hilts like this, with strongly sculpted volumes, sit particularly well on blades that are defined by deeply concave edge bevels and prominent sharp midribs.
It can often be difficult to pinpoint a geographic origin for medieval sword types. Oakeshott believed that it would not be unreasonable to see a north west European association for type V pommels.
The Burgundian's mass is mostly centered to the upper half of the blade, close to the hilt and in the rather massive pommel. The thick spine of the blade provides good stiffness. This means the sword is maneuverable and powerful, with good thrusting capabilities.
Observations: This is a very attractive sword. The hollow-ground blade is well done and tapers to a well defined point. Albion really excels on their hollow-ground blades which I have yet to find an equal.
The grip is of the standard Albion cord over-wrap design and possesses three separate cord risers at the front, rear and middle of the grip. The fittings are well done without too much bling but are quite attractive. The sword is not light or heavy but is well balanced and feels like it has authority that will transfer into a wicked thruster and hard hitting cutter. Though not a dedicated cutter, I feel this blade design is more than capable of inflicting serious damage.
Conclusion:
Great total package in a cut and thrust design. There are actually no negatives from the couple years I have owned the sword. Albion has done an excellent job in producing this model from Peter Johnsson's research to the final product. This sword offers buyers an opportunity to own a weapon that has a unique visual design and great handling.