Arms & Armor Black Prince
Jun 29, 2014 14:13:10 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jun 29, 2014 14:13:10 GMT
I bought the sword from a forum member.
Arms & Armor Black Prince:
Overall Length: 43 1/4''
Blade: 34''
Weight: 3 lb 13.2 oz
POB: 1 3/4''
Blade Width: 1.9"
Grip Length: 6 3/4"
Guard width: 9 3/8 inches
Center of Percussion: Around 17-18"
Type XVa blade
Type J1 Pommel
Style 8 guard
Type XV: Ewart Oakeshott defined it as having a strongly tapered blade profile with an acute point and a flattened diamond cross-section. This specialized sword type had edges with straight lines that lacked the noticeable curves seen on previous blade styles. The design is purely a single-hand variety, having a medium length grip of about four inches long.
Sub-Type XVa: Generally more slender than its parent type, and having a grip that is much longer; ranging from seven to nine inches long or more.
These type blades were found from the second half of the 13th century, developing alongside and in response to the advancements of armor. Type XV and XVa lasted for more than two centuries, extending upwards to 1550.
Arms & Armor Product Description: The original sword, which rests in a private collection in England, is thought to possibly be the sword of Edward the Black Prince. The Black Prince, son of Edward III and father of Richard II, was known as a great warrior. The sword was removed from its resting place during the English Civil War, Cromwell being blamed for its disappearance. When the sword resurfaced its origin was lost but its style and structure seem to have an uncanny fit to the scabbard of the Black Prince still with his funerary achievements. This was identified by one of the most respected sword experts in Europe. We were fortunately able to take direct measurements of this sword and have gone back to our original research materials to upgrade our replica, increasing accuracy to the original in the furniture, grip and the blade.
This weapon, from the apex of the middle ages c. 1400, exemplifies the functional beauty of a knight's sword. It is the type of sword often illustrated in the fight manuals of the period.
Impressions: This is a historically based close reproduction. I have owned a couple of the cheaper versions out there but in my mind, there is only one Black Prince and it is the A&A version. Awhile back, I sold an Albion with the same blade type but kept the A&A. I like the sword that much. I liked the blade on the Albion better but overall, the hilt on the A&A makes it a keeper. It has some weight but the POB makes the sword feel alive in hand. This sword in the right hands could inflict some serious damage with either end. From what I have read, this sword is capable of cutting but is more designed for thrusting. I added an Edward III reproduction coin to the one side of the pommel. I might have one of the older versions as the measurements on mine are different in some aspects from KOA, A&A and the review on MA. I highly recommend this sword. I got mine on the secondary market for a good deal. These do come up from time to time.
Cons: Price may put this sword out reach of some collectors hands at new price.
References:
Arms and Armor
Records of the Medieval Sword, by R. Ewart Oakeshott
Sword Forum International
MyArmoury
Arms & Armor Black Prince:
Overall Length: 43 1/4''
Blade: 34''
Weight: 3 lb 13.2 oz
POB: 1 3/4''
Blade Width: 1.9"
Grip Length: 6 3/4"
Guard width: 9 3/8 inches
Center of Percussion: Around 17-18"
Type XVa blade
Type J1 Pommel
Style 8 guard
Type XV: Ewart Oakeshott defined it as having a strongly tapered blade profile with an acute point and a flattened diamond cross-section. This specialized sword type had edges with straight lines that lacked the noticeable curves seen on previous blade styles. The design is purely a single-hand variety, having a medium length grip of about four inches long.
Sub-Type XVa: Generally more slender than its parent type, and having a grip that is much longer; ranging from seven to nine inches long or more.
These type blades were found from the second half of the 13th century, developing alongside and in response to the advancements of armor. Type XV and XVa lasted for more than two centuries, extending upwards to 1550.
Arms & Armor Product Description: The original sword, which rests in a private collection in England, is thought to possibly be the sword of Edward the Black Prince. The Black Prince, son of Edward III and father of Richard II, was known as a great warrior. The sword was removed from its resting place during the English Civil War, Cromwell being blamed for its disappearance. When the sword resurfaced its origin was lost but its style and structure seem to have an uncanny fit to the scabbard of the Black Prince still with his funerary achievements. This was identified by one of the most respected sword experts in Europe. We were fortunately able to take direct measurements of this sword and have gone back to our original research materials to upgrade our replica, increasing accuracy to the original in the furniture, grip and the blade.
This weapon, from the apex of the middle ages c. 1400, exemplifies the functional beauty of a knight's sword. It is the type of sword often illustrated in the fight manuals of the period.
Impressions: This is a historically based close reproduction. I have owned a couple of the cheaper versions out there but in my mind, there is only one Black Prince and it is the A&A version. Awhile back, I sold an Albion with the same blade type but kept the A&A. I like the sword that much. I liked the blade on the Albion better but overall, the hilt on the A&A makes it a keeper. It has some weight but the POB makes the sword feel alive in hand. This sword in the right hands could inflict some serious damage with either end. From what I have read, this sword is capable of cutting but is more designed for thrusting. I added an Edward III reproduction coin to the one side of the pommel. I might have one of the older versions as the measurements on mine are different in some aspects from KOA, A&A and the review on MA. I highly recommend this sword. I got mine on the secondary market for a good deal. These do come up from time to time.
Cons: Price may put this sword out reach of some collectors hands at new price.
References:
Arms and Armor
Records of the Medieval Sword, by R. Ewart Oakeshott
Sword Forum International
MyArmoury