Medieval Sword Of Oakeshott Type XII

13th/Early 14th Century

In excavated condition, with broad sharply tapering double-edged blade with shallow central fuller extending from the tang to the point of flattened diamond section along each side, straight quillons of tapering rectangular section swelling at the forte on each side, flat tapering tang, and chamfered wheel pommel (perhaps associated) of copper-alloy with flattened rectangular iron button decorated with incised lines

81 cm. blade, 97 cm. overall

The pommel form (Oakeshott's Type I) is found as early as the 10th Century, but seems only to have come into wide use in the 13th Century. Quillons of similar form (Oakeshott Style I) are first recorded in the 10th Century. See R.E. Oakeshott, The Sword In The Age Of Chivalry, 1964, pp. 96 and 113. For a very similar hilt formerly in the Dacre Kenrick Edwards and the Mrs. G.E.P. Howe Collections and sold in these Rooms see Antique Arms and Armour ..., 25 July 2007, lot 115

For a related sword found in the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, and now in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. IX.13) see Ewart Oakeshott, Records Of The Medieval Sword, 1991, p. 148. Another sword of very similar form, described as possibly English, circa 1350-1400 was sold at Pierre Bergé Et Herman Historica, The Karsten Klingbeil Collection, Part I, Antique Arms And Armour, 13 December 2011, lot 29 (E 30,000 including premium).

For more information on Oakeshott Type XII Swords see this extract from Ewart Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword: sword-site.com/thread/127/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Source: www.bonhams.com/auctions/20803/lot/134/