Post by Deepbluedave on Feb 6, 2015 6:57:08 GMT
Introduction
As a sword collector I often find myself browsing the classified of various sword forums, even if I’m not really looking to buy, I still like to see what’s on offer as some real bargains can be found on the second hand market. I don’t limit my collection to just one type of sword, I tend to buy whatever catches my eye mostly.
I do not own any swords from A&A and have always been curious about them as they are often praised in the reviews that I have read for their attention to detail as well as being historically accurate.
This custom Arms and Armour Kriegsmesser is left handed and was a sword I found myself coming back to time and time again for just another look, even though the price was out of my budget range.
Custom swords can be expensive with there being only a small number of collectors at this price point, so it is not uncommon for swords to take many months to sell. After a couple of months this sword came down to a price I was able to afford, a fortnight later it arrived in Australia.
Historical overview
An Extremely Rare Sword ('Grosse-Messer' Or 'Kriegsmesser')
Austrian, Late 15th Century
With long broad falchion-like blade double-edged at the point, cut with a narrow fuller over most of its length along the back-edge and struck with a mark on one side, iron hilt comprising straight quillons of tapering circular section each with a double turn at the ends, upturned fluted side-guard of fishtail form riveted through the pointed quillon-block, beak-shaped pommel widely fluted on each side, and long slightly curved grip fluted en suite and covered with velum (light rust patination overall)
97 cm. blade.
FOOTNOTES
The best-known sword of this type is the one made for the Emperor Maximilian by Hans Sumersperger of Hall in the Tyrol in 1496. Similar swords called Kriegsmesser are depicted being carried by swordsmen in Hans Burgkmair's famous woodcut series The Triumph of Maximilian, published about 1515.
"Historical overview taken from this auction house (https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/14917/lot/154/)"
Kreigsmessers dating from this period do come up for sale from time to time, in 2003 one sold for $47,000 and another for $23,000 in 2007, I did not have this much to spend so I would like to think that buying a replica was the smarter option.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword second hand from the original owner, I did not ask his reason for this sale and I was quite happy with the sale price, I did not receive any kind of discount or incentive from the maker A&A. This sword was purchased with my own money and will be used for backyard cutting and display in my collection.
Initial Impressions
Australia is a long way from the US and shipping can sometimes be a real nightmare, so I am normally very anxious when waiting for a sword to arrive, shipped through Fed-ex it took five days to get here, the box and packaging was intact and unbroken and upon opening the box I started to relax as I raised it up to the light for a quick once over, it all looked well with no bends or dings and everything straight. This is a big sword and fairly heavy so I was a bit surprised at how thin the blade seemed when I first looked down the spine, whilst this sword is flexible it is not in any way whippy or flimsy.
Statistics
Blade Length: 38” inches or 96.5cm
Handle Length: 12.5”inches or 32cm.
Overall Length: 51”inches or 129cm.
Guard Width: 13” inches or 33 cm.
POB (Point of Balance): 5” inches or 12.5 cm from the guard.
COP (Center of Percussion): 21” inches or 54cm or about ¾of the way to the pointy end.
Weight: 4lbs, 11 ounces, this weight is taken from the seller as I have no scales available.
Distal taper: at guard: 5mm, at 12” inches: 4.7mm, at 21” inches: 4.5mm, and at 31” inches: 3.5mm.
Blade width: at guard: 2” inches or 50.9mm, at 12”inches: 1.98” inches or 50.45mm, at 21”inches: 1.94” inches or 49.2mm, at 31”inches: 1.77” inches or 45mm.
Components
The Blade
The Blade is extremely long and wide with only a slight narrowing as it approaches the tip, there is a small fuller running parallel to the spine all the way from the guard to just behind the clip-point, On first inspection I thought the blade a little on the thin side but due to the blade being nearly 2”inches in width it is remarkably firm with only a small amount of flex in the last third of its length.
The Handle
The handle is a simple affair with wooden slabs riveted to the tang, I’m not sure what wood is used but it follows the slight curve of the tang with a groove down the middle. The tang is visible the whole length of the handle with a thickness of about 6mm.
The Guard
This sword has a very wide guard with two long oval shaped quillons each with a double turn at the end, the double fluted side-guard is very well done and is what originally drew me to this sword, it is fastened thru the guard and blade and out the other side where it is peened, giving the guard a very solid feel with no movement.
The Pommel
The beak shaped pommel follows the contours of the handle to the end of the blade where it is securely peened. During my cutting I found the beak really helped in the placement of my rear hand on the blade. All the fitting on this sword are finished to the same level as the blade, giving all the steel the same look and feel throughout.
Handling Characteristics
I try to judge each sword on its own merit and for me this sword works, this sword is not designed for small people, I would not let a child cut with it, it is just too big, it is a man’s sword made for two handed use, I doubt I could use it one handed if I wanted to. This does not mean it is cumbersome or unwieldy but it has a lot of forward motion that once applied is very hard to stop. I have never studied any form of long-sword training so I cannot tell you how it would fair in those training drills. All I can say is it brings a smile to my face every time I use it, that for me is worth the asking price and then some.
Test Cutting
I purchased this sword as a cutter and it certainly does it well, I don’t have access to mats so I normally just cut up milk jugs or water bottles, I am certain it would slice heavier targets just as easily. Most of these photos were taken after cutting for about 20 minutes and no damage was done to the blade. Also it rang like a church bell on just about every cut and it took maybe 5 minutes to clean and oil it backup to perfect condition after I had finished.
A small cutting video can be seen here.
Conclusions
This is my first A&A sword and I bought it on a whim, at first glance these kreigsmessers seem very utilitarian, but there really is a lot of different aspects on this blade that need to be done well for it to handle so well, it has certainly opened my eyes in regards to the quality and handling from A&A and I would not hesitate in purchasing another of their swords.
Pros
- Hell of a lot cheaper than an original whilst still looking nearly identical.
- It’s a great big sword that cut’s well.
-Great value and outstanding workmanship.
Cons
Might still be a little pricey for some.
The Bottom Line
It would be hard not to recommend a sword of this calibre for the price I paid, but as it is a custom piece the chances of you getting one identical are small. I am sure Arms and Armour could make you one but not at the price I paid, so your mileage might be a little different than mine.
Thought I would add these photos with an Albion Knecht to give a better example of the size of this sword.
