The medieval revival began in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and was in effect a reaction against the modernisation and mechanisation that was taking place. Medievalism went on to affect all aspects of Victorian life, including art and architecture, literature, philosophy, politics and religion. The infusion of medievalism in the decorative arts and the world of design became known as the “Gothic Revival.” This Victorian copy of a medieval arming sword dates to this period.
The sword is of the type classified by Oakeshott as the Type XIV (Ewart Oakeshott, “Records of the Medieval Sword.”) The Type XIV is characterised as a Single handed medieval broadsword. The blade can have either a single wide fuller or multiple narrow fullers and the hilt is mounted with a wheel pommel of the type classified as Type K. The sword was designed for both cutting and thrusting and was used during the late 13th century to mid-14th Centuries.
The 845mm double-edged blade has a lenticular cross section with twin central fullers running for almost the full length to within 80mm of the point. The length of the double fullers is a departure from the pure form of the Type XIV in which the fullers usually run for part of the blade length. The blade fullers are more related to the Type XXI sword; a category that includes the Italian Cinqueda. The blade is 45mm wide at the shoulder with a long medial ridge between the fullers.
The blade is in reasonable condition with patches of pitting and tarnish along its length. The corrosion has been cleaned and treated and there is no active rust. The blade has sharp double-edges.
The Hilt is typical of the Type XIV pattern with a down-turned crosspiece and wheel pommel through which the tang is peened. The pommel features inlaid copper decoration and the wooden grip is wrapped with iron wire with ring accents. The blade is firm in the hilt. The sword weighs 1.378kg.
This is a sturdy and well-made broadsword with great quality and attention to detail.
