Schloss Erbach Sword
Jul 3, 2014 15:09:52 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jul 3, 2014 15:09:52 GMT
I purchased this sword from Arms and Armor a few years ago when they were running a special on this sword. I have no personal or professional relationship with Arms and Armor.
Schloss Erbach Sword:
Weight: 3 pounds, 7 ounces
Overall length: 44 1/4 inches
Blade length: 35 3/8 inches
Blade width: 2 inches at base
Grip length: 6 5/8 inches
Guard width: 9 1/4 inches
Point of Balance: 5 3/4 inches from guard
Center of Percussion: ~22 inches from guard
Oakeshott typology: Type XVIIIa
Style 1 guard (variant)
XVIII:
Blade is relatively broad at its base, of flattened or hollow-ground diamond section, tapers to a strong point and sometimes features a pronounced central ridge. Blade has a gentler taper toward the point. Profile is slightly convex.
XVIIIa:
◾Fairly slender blade, sometimes with narrow fuller in upper portion
◾Cross and pommel of any type
◾May be very large, with grip length of 5" (12.7cm)
Arms and Armor Description:
The arming sword of the 15th century warrior was a formidable weapon. It evolved, in part, to respond to the plate armor of the knight reaching the peak of its effectiveness. Our replica is an excellent example of this class of sword. Well balanced, it could be used single handed, or with two hands to deliver a powerful blow or a deadly thrust. This type of sword is frequently illustrated in the fight manuals of the period which represent the Liechtenauer tradition of personal combat.
The beauty of this sword is not only in its austere design but the way it flows in the hands when placed in the movements of the fighting styles of the period. It becomes obvious how the balance and distribution of mass are so important to the ability to gain advantage over ones opponent when coming to a cross of the swords. While very effective against an armored opponent the sword also works extremely well for unarmored (blossfechten) as well.
This sword has been in our line for a long time but we have recently improved our accuracy of reproduction for this sword. In our endeavors to create the best product possible for our customers we will often adjust existing items to improve their reflection of the originals they are based on. These improvements to the Schloss Erbach sword, when compared to the earlier versions, may seem subtle, but our commitment to crafting a better sword never stops. Replicating with a meticulous attention to the asymmetries of the original hilt components is a testament to the craftsmanship of the original maker. To make the item as closely as our talents allow, not only in dimension but feel and capabilities is our goal.
Original: Circa 1480-1500 German, The Oakeshott Collection, Minneapolis MN, formerly in the Collection at Schloss Erbach.
Impressions: The original and the reproduction blade is unusually wide for a Type XVIIIa. This is very obvious compared to the same type blades in my collection. The grip is comfortable and long enough for both hands. The sword could be used with one hand but is slightly heavy and best used with two hands. The pommel and guard are very attractive with very minor casting places. The guard slot is slightly on the rough side with a little more space than needed for blade fit. This is not a light sword in hand and would make a good cutter. I would not classify this sword as a civilian dueling sword and it would be quite at home in mounted combat. The Schloss Erbach Sword's handling is more in line with a great sword of an earlier time. It does not quite fit into the cut and thrust long swords category of swords from the late 15th century. It is still a nice sword in its own right but if you are looking for a true cut and thrust long sword, this is not what you want. If you are looking for a powerful cutter, buy it.
References:
Records of the Medieval Sword, Edwart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Arms & Armor
Schloss Erbach Sword:
Weight: 3 pounds, 7 ounces
Overall length: 44 1/4 inches
Blade length: 35 3/8 inches
Blade width: 2 inches at base
Grip length: 6 5/8 inches
Guard width: 9 1/4 inches
Point of Balance: 5 3/4 inches from guard
Center of Percussion: ~22 inches from guard
Oakeshott typology: Type XVIIIa
Style 1 guard (variant)
XVIII:
Blade is relatively broad at its base, of flattened or hollow-ground diamond section, tapers to a strong point and sometimes features a pronounced central ridge. Blade has a gentler taper toward the point. Profile is slightly convex.
XVIIIa:
◾Fairly slender blade, sometimes with narrow fuller in upper portion
◾Cross and pommel of any type
◾May be very large, with grip length of 5" (12.7cm)
Arms and Armor Description:
The arming sword of the 15th century warrior was a formidable weapon. It evolved, in part, to respond to the plate armor of the knight reaching the peak of its effectiveness. Our replica is an excellent example of this class of sword. Well balanced, it could be used single handed, or with two hands to deliver a powerful blow or a deadly thrust. This type of sword is frequently illustrated in the fight manuals of the period which represent the Liechtenauer tradition of personal combat.
The beauty of this sword is not only in its austere design but the way it flows in the hands when placed in the movements of the fighting styles of the period. It becomes obvious how the balance and distribution of mass are so important to the ability to gain advantage over ones opponent when coming to a cross of the swords. While very effective against an armored opponent the sword also works extremely well for unarmored (blossfechten) as well.
This sword has been in our line for a long time but we have recently improved our accuracy of reproduction for this sword. In our endeavors to create the best product possible for our customers we will often adjust existing items to improve their reflection of the originals they are based on. These improvements to the Schloss Erbach sword, when compared to the earlier versions, may seem subtle, but our commitment to crafting a better sword never stops. Replicating with a meticulous attention to the asymmetries of the original hilt components is a testament to the craftsmanship of the original maker. To make the item as closely as our talents allow, not only in dimension but feel and capabilities is our goal.
Original: Circa 1480-1500 German, The Oakeshott Collection, Minneapolis MN, formerly in the Collection at Schloss Erbach.
Impressions: The original and the reproduction blade is unusually wide for a Type XVIIIa. This is very obvious compared to the same type blades in my collection. The grip is comfortable and long enough for both hands. The sword could be used with one hand but is slightly heavy and best used with two hands. The pommel and guard are very attractive with very minor casting places. The guard slot is slightly on the rough side with a little more space than needed for blade fit. This is not a light sword in hand and would make a good cutter. I would not classify this sword as a civilian dueling sword and it would be quite at home in mounted combat. The Schloss Erbach Sword's handling is more in line with a great sword of an earlier time. It does not quite fit into the cut and thrust long swords category of swords from the late 15th century. It is still a nice sword in its own right but if you are looking for a true cut and thrust long sword, this is not what you want. If you are looking for a powerful cutter, buy it.
References:
Records of the Medieval Sword, Edwart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Arms & Armor