Lot 68
68
A VERY RARE MEDIEVAL SWORD, ALMOST CERTAINLY FOR A CHILD, RETAINING MUCH OF ITS SCABBARD
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A VERY RARE MEDIEVAL SWORD, ALMOST CERTAINLY FOR A CHILD, RETAINING MUCH OF ITS SCABBARD

11TH/MID-12TH CENTURY

Details
A VERY RARE MEDIEVAL SWORD, ALMOST CERTAINLY FOR A CHILD, RETAINING MUCH OF ITS SCABBARD
11th/Mid-12th Century
In excavated condition, with 24¼in narrow blade tapering slightly to a very short point, encased over the majority of its surface in fragments of its leather-covered wooden scabbard and retaining the original brass shield-shaped chape decorated with a slotted fleur-de-lys on both sides, 2 7/8in grip (covering material missing), crosspiece of rectangular section tapering to slender points, and Brazil-nut pommel of strongly pronounced shape.
29½in (75cm) overall
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Recovered from the river Seine near Rouen

The small proportions of the hilt would almost certainly preclude the possibility of this being a so-called 'riding sword' for an adult. As such, this hitherto unknown sword is perhaps the earliest recorded example intended for a child. Single 14th Century and 15th Century examples of childrens' swords were included in the Royal Armouries exhibition The Knight is Young, 2002-2004.

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