14th Century Knights Great War Sword Type XIII

This very special Knights Crusader Sword is a very special find.

Dated from the 14th Century and is likely German origins. Without any doubt this sword belonged to a very wealthy and important high-ranking knight originally believed to be from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre . After recent investigations the sword point more likely to Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Provenance from one of the most famous collections in Europe the Klingbeil Collection.

Similar swords were also used as Pious donations and gifts to the Arsenal of Alexandria during the time of the Viceroy Sayf al-din Aristay.

The blade appears to correspond with Oakeshott’s classification Type XIII.

These references below are indication of age and origins as well as associations with the order orders. it is important to note that most crusaders and orders used the Cross of Jerusalem, seeing that ceremonies for any new knight were held in the church of the Holy Sepulchre. The references below originate from “David Alexander European swords in the collections of Istanbul” & “”Buletinul Comisiunii Monumentelor Istorice 1935 anul XXVIII” contains the article “Odoare romăneşti la Stambul” by Emil Vârtosu”. But many more references exist and undoublty this make this sword a very special find and rarely seen in such a state.

Description:

The blade circa 1300-1400 and bearing a spurious cross of Jerusalem. With a shortened broad blade, the edges almost parallel over their full length, both sides cut with a narrow fuller an orb mark and a diagonal row of small crosses all inlaid in latten.

Incised with a large circular marking involving a inlaid border with saw like engravings and the core with the remains of marking (incomplete and illegible). The other side a cross of Jerusalem, and both of the circular devices inlaid in latten. And octagonal wheel pommel engraved with gothic letters around the sides.

On both sides several crosses can be seen again inlaid with latten, it is likely that a fourth cross existed but this has disappeared over the centuries and after extensive re sharpening and polishing during its time in service.

Truly a rarely seen sword of Museum quality and with close association to and important Knights order!