Product description
This beautiful bastard sword is a detailed and high-quality replica of the famous "Writhen-Hilt" sword, dating back to around 1480 and presumably of German origin. The name "writhen," meaning "twisted" or "contorted," comes from the unique shape of the hilt. The original sword was once owned by art collectors Frederic Spitzer and William Randolph Hearst before being acquired by the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, UK, in 1952.
This reconstruction features an approximately 88.5 cm long, double-edged blade that tapers towards the tip. The cutting edges are not sharpened. The blade has a prominent medial ridge, typical of swords from the Oakeshott XVIII type. The historical original bears inscriptions in the form of a crowned orb on both sides, the meaning of which remains unknown. However, it is believed to be the maker's mark. In reference to this, this replica is engraved on one side of the blade.
The pommel and crossguard are made of brass to closely resemble the original, where these elements were crafted from gilded bronze. The grip is made of wood and adorned with two decorative brass rings, one in the center and one just below the crossguard. The pommel, quillons (the arms of the crossguard), and the grip are all artistically carved and shaped to resemble a gnarled stave of three intertwined branches, which splay out at the ends. This one-and-a-half-handed sword comes with a leather-wrapped wooden scabbard, featuring a brass throat and chape, decorated with Gothic embellishments.
Details:
Blade material: high carbon steel
Handle material: wood with brass fittings, brass pommel and guard
Overall length: approx. 109 cm
Blade length: approx. 88.5 cm
Blade thickness: approx. 6.2 mm
Hilt length: approx. 19 cm (grip: approx. 13 cm)
Max. blade width: approx. 4 cm
Point of balance: approx. 17 cm from the guard
Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover
Weight without sheath: approx. 1070 g
Weight with sheath: approx. 1380 g
Based on a historical original
Shipment weight (g): 2000 *
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Click here for more information on the European arms acts.
This item is produced in limited quantities only. This means that every piece is unique. Sizes & finish may vary lightly from piece to piece.
Prevent rust and corrosion by oiling your weapons regularly. Remove rust easily with black sandpaper. Remove burrs with a whetstone. Make sure you have removed all burrs before using a battle-ready weapon, as they can cause wounds.
Tip: How to adjust the finish of your armour and weaponry
Luxurious (polished)- polish the steel with metal polish or toothpaste. You can even give the item a mirror-like polish. Test on a small surface first!
Handmade (matte)- soak the steel in cola for 40 minutes to 20 hours. Check regularly and treat with black sandpaper.
Antique (patinated) leave the steel to rust for some time in a damp environment, preferably outside. Remove the red layer of rust, to reveal the corroded top layer.
Please note. After finishing the product yourself, the warranty and return right expire. Celtic WebMerchant is not responsible for the obtained result."
When packaging this item, we exclusively use 100% recycled plastic and recycled paper/cardboard from FSC certified forests. We reuse a large part of the material directly without the intervention of a recycling process.
Recycle the material by separating your waste:
1. Cardboard: separate or reuse your paper.
2. Plastic cushions, clothing bags and plastic tape: separate or reuse your plastic. If possible, pierce the cushions with a volume reduction needle.
3. Paper packaging for jewelry and small items: these have a plastic inner layer. Remove these, then separate your paper and plastic.
Read here about how we are committed to sustainability.
