Rare 14th - 15th Century European Knights Sword Extremely rare example

FOR STUDY & RESEARCH ONLY

14th – 15th Century European Knights sword (possibly Italian or German)

This type is the very quintessence of the age-old cut and thrust fighting sword. The sword has many references point towards its being associated with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem which dates back to the first Crusade. Certainly the below inscriptions point to the importance of the Christian religIon to the original owner.

References and inscriptions:
On Blade

IHS – DEUS LO VVIT”, IHS referencing Jesus Christ the savior of all men. DEUS LO VVIT also written Deus Lo Vult which is the motto of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

On Pommel

“REGEM SERVA A DEVM COLE, Worship God , Serve the King”

The beautiful design of this sword can be seen in the high detail and care which was taken to craft such an exceptional piece.

Starting from the pommel which is a round medieval style pommel with peen black is also fitted with two gem stoned both engraved with crosses and inlaid with gold. The pommel also interesting floral patterns which are etched into it. The engravings in the pommel read “REGEM SERVA A DEVM COLE”.

The bone grip engraved with crosses in the handle and through the years have appeared on many other sword. They are associated with German and Italian knights. The grip fitted with ferrule’s and a central ferrule with brass rivets with crosses engraved into them. The bone handle also has a crack running down it.

The guard of the sword fits with the later medieval styles which tended to have with curved qullion rather than the earlier straight design. Once again the same floral patterns are found on the spatulate ends.

The sword blade is truly the masterpiece and unique and fits perfectly with no looseness or wobble present.. With a weight of 1.4 kg and an impressive blade width of 8.1 cm with a hollow ground cross section and single fuler. The double edged blade tappers down to a fine tip and single fuller on either side extends 3/4 of the blade.

The blade includes the inscription on one side “IHS – DEUS LO VVIT” and armourers stamp these inlaid with copper.

Truly a rarely seen sword of Museum quality!