Oakeshott Type XV Medieval Sword found in the Thames

Dated: Circa 1330

Medium: Steel; Silver; Leather

Measurements: L 1085 mm; W (over guard) 200 mm; L (blade) 884 mm; W (blade) 54 mm; WT 2 kg

This sword was found in the Thames during the building of the first Westminster Bridge in 1742.

Although the wood and leather scabbard had rotted away, the silver mounts by which it was attached to the sword belt were still in place on the blade.
The upper mount is engraved with a stag’s head and the words 'wist.i wist.i' (‘I knew, I knew’) - probably the family crest and motto of the knight who owned the sword.

For more information on Type XV swords see this extract of Ewart Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword: sword-site.com/thread/166/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Source: www.museumoflondon.org.uk/