Product description
Sancho IV of Castile, known as "el Bravo," ruled as the King of Castile, León, and Galicia from 1284 until his death in 1295. Upon the death of his father, Alfonso X, Sancho took control of the kingdom, despite his father's wishes. He was crowned in Toledo, where he ruled until his untimely death. Just before passing away, he appointed his wife, María de Molina, as regent for their young son, Ferdinand IV. Sancho died in 1295, and his body was buried in the Cathedral of Toledo, fulfilling his final wishes. In 1947, his remains were discovered in a well-preserved state, clothed in a Franciscan habit and adorned with a silver gilt crown decorated with Roman cameos and sapphires. A sword was found beside him, with an overgrown handle, and an inscription on its blade, though only fragments remain.The sword, dating back to the 13th century, is an exceptional example of medieval weaponry. It was in excellent condition when found and reflects the status of a Castilian monarch. The blade is finely polished, showcasing the expertise of its craftsmanship. The cross-guard is a classic design with slightly curved arms and a lobed knob, featuring intricate ornamentation, including a possible Arabic inscription that repeats in a seemingly random pattern. The grip's decoration complements the rest of the sword and mirrors the symbols of the Kingdom of Castile and León, further emphasizing its royal heritage. Based on the size of the grip, it is believed that Sancho IV was a tall man, well over two meters in height, suggesting that the sword, like the crown, may have been inherited from his father, as was customary for royalty at the time.
The pommel of the sword is intricately chiseled, displaying beautiful Arabic designs on the two circular faces, while the lateral surfaces of the cones feature repeating motifs similar to those found on the cross. This stunning weapon, now on display at the Tapestry Museum of the Cathedral of Toledo, offers a glimpse into the lavish trousseau of Sancho IV, alongside his crown and pillow, preserving the legacy of a remarkable monarch.
Product details
Product details:
Material: 420 Stainless steel, 48-52 HRC
Total length: 101.5 cm
Blade length: 83 cm
Grip length: 11 cm
Guard length: 16.2 cm
Length of the fuller: 29.5 cm
Blade width at the crossguard: approximately 57 mm
Blade width 10 cm from the tip: 33 mm
Thickness of the cutting edge: 1 mm
The balance point is located approximately 20.5 cm from the crossguard
Weight: approximately 1808 g
Based on a historic original
Shipment weight (grams): 2000
