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Post by viece on Aug 13, 2019 12:40:50 GMT
Now there are many reviews and opinions to be found on the net for this one, and I think most info reflects the sword quite well. Now this is not about the “external” performance of this sword, though…
It should happen that people buy a sword and know in advance that it will not be very "good". And yet you want to have it, out of a certain sentiment, evoked by the aesthetics of the object. The Windlass Classic Medieval Sword is such a sword for me. After all the other, far more than a hundred blades that have passed through my hands, this one has quickly gained a special place in my heart. It awakens earliest childhood memories, from times when I could barely read, or was just about to learn to read – diving into the world of the comics of Prince Valiant and Ritter Roland; immersed in the detailed drawings, hidden for hours in a corner of the local library, because my mother could not afford to buy me one of these books for my own. But she was able to show me the library, how to read and how to get a library card.
These where wonderful times and most important socialization experiences. Through fantasy, inspired by the documented fantasies of others, forging a character of own. Enjoying and profiting from the works of great artists, inspiring and strengthening important basics to pass all kind of "fights" in real life. Be it mental struggles with oneself or "real ones", often quite violent also and most often with people whos lifes never allowed to enjoy the privilege of being able to enjoy or internalize the merits of these or similar works. And to let them become a positive part of themselves. So ‘till this point I could manage without having loaded great guilt on my shoulders, and I credit this in great lengths to these artistic influences. And last but not least I am able to acquire (quite a lot of, I confess) swords without having to think too much of guilt, financially
So there’s a great amount of thankfulness manifested in that sword, to me. It’s value is not represented through the numbers.
And although it may not be a very good sword according to the rules of sword-crafting, it is nevertheless a solid piece. It helps me to reflect on elementary foundations of my personal history, and which I like to consider as a path to my own internal "chivalry".
I am sure I'm not alone with this. Markus, What an eloquent writeup. Thank you for sharing. I have had similar experiences with all of my "keeper" pieces, sometimes for reasons I can't fully articulate. This is the kind of thing that keeps me coming back to the forum.
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Post by viece on Aug 10, 2019 11:14:39 GMT
Thank you for the information folks. I'll follow up with them and see what the lead time is for sure. I'd prefer not to go to Albion lengths but OTOH, I can understand them needing some time. Please let us know what you hear about wait times. I have a basket collection and might want to get one of these, too.
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Post by viece on Aug 9, 2019 21:07:11 GMT
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Post by viece on Aug 6, 2019 2:31:03 GMT
Looks great. Gotta love chunky-bladed basket hilts.
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Post by viece on Aug 6, 2019 2:27:30 GMT
Beautiful piece and writeup. Lovely job on the scabbard. Please let me know if/when you decide to part with the set!
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Post by viece on Jun 27, 2019 13:13:37 GMT
Nice writeup yet again!
Very pretty style.
I personally use "antique" to refer to stuff that's more than 50 years old, but I can't defend that in court. It's just comfortable and familiar, based on US archaeological and historic resources regulations and policies (the area I work in).
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Post by viece on Jun 6, 2019 19:00:03 GMT
You're good at this. I've given lectures to hundreds of undergraduates and presented papers at conferences, but I can't speak to a camera to save my life. Well done.
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Post by viece on May 16, 2019 2:05:37 GMT
Interesting. If measured correctly, the distal taper is very impressive for such low-priced swords.
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Post by viece on May 3, 2019 22:25:30 GMT
I have a Chlebowski double-fuller feder from Scott Brown at HEMA Supplies. Great service from Scott. Incredibly graceful, beautiful sword. Would recommend 100%. Caveat: I am 6'5" and about 240 lbs so minor length/weight variations-- which some report seeing in feders from Chlebowski, Regenyei, and other craftsmen--don't matter much to me.
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Post by viece on Apr 28, 2019 16:41:44 GMT
Earliest purchase still in my family is a Johann Schmidberger Austrian Masterpiece (https://imgur.com/gallery/wrDpL4F; posted by someone else but you get the idea). Bought in late 1980s or early 1990s from MRL. One of my brothers has it now. Earliest in my current collection (so after a 20+ year hiatus) is an antique Ames 1863 light cavalry saber. Earliest/oldest in the sense of actual age of the piece is late 1500s to early 1600s: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/54972/antique-german-basket-hilt-sword
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Post by viece on Apr 28, 2019 13:27:34 GMT
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Post by viece on Apr 27, 2019 23:05:09 GMT
XIV by far. I absolutely regret selling mine. I second and third this. Phenomenal sword. Got it during the clearance sale referenced above; with all discounts applied I think it was $85-90 before shipping!
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Post by viece on Apr 20, 2019 11:40:00 GMT
I lost my sparring partner so am a bit handicapped on the experience but will throw this out there to think on. From what I’ve observed, and I have the same M1840 NCO sword that you are considering as does Jordan: I find it less fatiguing than my rapier, more accurate, and faster. I can put the point in a one inch circle far more frequently than with the rapier. From the accounts of real sword fights of the past that I’ve studied involving thrusting it was important to score on critical spots and not to target the body as a whole. The M1840 also cuts better, for whatever that’s worth, and makes a larger hole. On the other hand a rapier is better for keeping your opponent at distance if you do your part. Or perhaps I need a different rapier. Hehe Brothersteel, Lots of great suggestions here. I want to just build on pgandy's point to say get an antique Ames M1840 NCO for just a few dollars more than a repro. I recently got one for about $200 and it's a lovely degen/spadroon type sword, better balanced and livelier in the hand than I expected. And there's just something magical about handling an original.
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Post by viece on Apr 17, 2019 2:20:44 GMT
Looking forward to more updates! Thanks for posting.
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Post by viece on Apr 9, 2019 21:21:41 GMT
viece - Thank you. I’m glad you found some value in my ramblings. Yeah, I mean who wouldn’t want a sword called “Wristbreaker,” right? I really like the proportions of this sword and its s-curve profile. To me, it is just fantastic; the perfect sword shape. If you get serious about buying one, you might as well hold out and spring for an Ames model in complete condition with an original scabbard. They are out there and not (yet) terribly expensive. Otherwise, like me, showing off your m1840 will always come with an asterisk or explanation. That said, I personally don’t mind having a saber of questionable heritage. Anyone that knows the difference is probably a sword guy/gal anyway, so talking swords is part of the fun. I’ll warn you, though. At least for me, getting a m1840 made getting a first gen French m1822 LC almost mandatory. Just to see what all the fuss was about. Happy hunting. Thanks! Although I say I'm not a CW buff, that's not entirely true. I do already have two Ames, an 1863 light cav and an 1863 NCO. So I'd want the 1840 to be Ames just to fit in. Good tips, thanks!
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Post by viece on Apr 9, 2019 17:46:43 GMT
Thanks for the antique reviews! Just found those, really enjoyed going through them. I am also not a huge Civil War buff but am casually interested in getting an 1840 wristbreaker like yours.
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Post by viece on Apr 5, 2019 0:32:46 GMT
It's a beautiful piece; the lines are so good. The slight bend of the quillons is just right, so graceful. And Nathan presents it well; he's an excellent photographer. He has an amazing collection of complex hilts.
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Post by viece on Apr 4, 2019 17:22:31 GMT
Interesting review, thanks. I've also been considering this replica along with the Universal 1685. What about that antique in the pics? Is that yours? If so, care to discuss a sale or trade?
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Post by viece on Apr 2, 2019 1:23:33 GMT
Thanks! Still my favorite. Will never sell. Love the giant quillons.
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Post by viece on Apr 1, 2019 10:51:53 GMT
Really helpful comments here, thank you.
I will take a cautious approach. There is looseness in all three locations: blade/guard, grip/tang, guard/pommel/peen. You can even see the pommel move relative to the peen. BUT... only by a literal hair's breadth. And the peen appears smooth and unmolested so I will refrain from bashing it until after trying some glue injections.
Thanks again. Incredible detail in your responses.
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