Product description
This beautiful medieval sword is a replica of an original 14th century piece found in a grave in Toulouse, France, in the 19th century. Due to its striking aesthetics and the use of high-quality materials (such as the pommel covered with gilded silver foil), the Oakeshott type XIV sword was speculated upon to have belonged to the French King Philip IV the Fair (Philippe le Bel, 1268-1314). In his Records of the Medieval Sword, first published in 1991, Ewart Oakeshott assumes it is a kingly sword, and that it might well be the one that Philip IV of France deposited in 1308 in Chartres Cathedral, as a token of gratitude to God for one of his victories in battle. However, there is still, to this day, no tangible evidence of such a royal connection. The remarkably well-preserved original is on display at the Musée de l'Armée in Paris, France. This replica sword has a broad, double-edged blade that tapers sharply towards the tip. The fuller that runs about two thirds down its length is engraved on both sides with the inscription reading NULLA DE VIRTUTIBUS TUIS MAJOR CLEMENTIA EST ("None of your virtues are greater than clemency"). The cutting edges are not sharpened. The wooden handle is wrapped in red leather, and the crossguard, which curves towards the blade, as well as the pommel are made of brass. The circular recess at the centre of the pommel is engraved with a floral motif. This sword comes complete with a red wood-and-leather scabbard with brass chape, throat and articulated suspension rings. This medieval sword is designed as a collector’s or decoration/display piece. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.
