Writhen Hilt Sword

This very Gothic and very German hand and a half sword is a reproduction of an iconic original from the collection of the Royal Armoury is dated to 1480 and was forged for a wealthy, but unknown individual. There are other examples of its type which have survived and the motif of using twisted branches or floral / wooded elements to style components of swords, knives and other weapons is shown in period art. This “Gothic Bough” stylization would have required a skilled bladesmith or cutler and was certainly a way to showcase one’s status if such a finely styled weapon could be afforded. These swords are not mere art pieces or fashion accessories, the surviving examples are well-crafted, well balanced and entirely deadly weapons. These swords are full of the Gothic character of the late Medieval Holy Roman Empire and its Principalities.

This reproduction from Deepeeka’s higher quality Primus line of swords has a blade forged from C60 high carbon steel (a steel similar to 1060) which was tempered to a 48-52 HRc hardness. The intricately writhen guard, pommel and grip ring are fashioned from bright brass to recreate the appearance of the original which had fittings of copper alloy which were gilt in gold. Like the original, the wooden grip is intricately and painstakingly carved in the likeness of a bundle of entwined branches. The grip is long enough to allow for a single or two handed grip for this bastard sword. Included with the sword is a scabbard of high quality craftsmanship which is made from wood and wrapped in tight, stitched leather and finished with brass Gothic decorative banding and chape.