Type X Medieval Sword (#1541)

Based on the swords of the late 13th, century, the Type X medieval sword is an interesting example. While the straight guard and the Type X blade (Oakeshott) was not an unlikely pairing, the fitting of a “Brazil Nut” pommel, seen mainly on medieval swords of Germanic regions of Europe, makes this weapon unique in its own right.

The Type X is the first sword in Oakeshott’s typology and the last sword in Petersen’s. As Oakeshott himself said in his book “The Sword in the Age of Chivalry,”

I have tried to work out some simple way of clearly differentiating my own Type X (ten) from Petersen’s Type X, but nothing can really be done. Perhaps the crossing, as it were, of the two typologies at this point, at a sword-type common to both, may be regarded as a pivot around which the two may swing in harmony (p. 28).

This makes clear the importance of the Type X – as a transitional weapon, it marks the changeover from weapons of Viking design and origin to the weapons of the Middle Ages. Like Viking swords it has a broad, flat blade with a long fuller; unlike the Viking swords it had a cruciform hilt.

Type X swords that have been recovered typically were constructed with a wheel-shaped pommel. However, an alternate version of the Type X was frequently depicted in art (and many surviving examples) with an oval-shaped pommel usually called a “Brazil-nut” pommel. This variation was very popular in Germanic regions as it appeared regularly in manuscript illustrations and art from that area. The image below, also from Oakeshott’s “The Sword in the Age of Chivalry,” (p. 30) is one such example. 

The Type X swords are among the most common surviving specimens of all medieval weapons. Various examples are currently on display at the Tower of London, The Brittish Museum, The Walllace Collection, The Musee de l’armee and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Being widely coveted among serious collectors, we chose to recreate one of the most opulent examples of the type X swords. Elegantly designed, with aesthetically balanced Brazil-nut pommel and guard, the Type X is classically styled to complete any collection.

Made to our standards of quality and durability, the Type X sword is built to last. The blade, forged with 5160 High Carbon steel and dual hardened, delivers devastating blows capable of slicing as well as thrusting.

Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60
48-50 at the core
Fittings : Mild Steel
Blade Thickness: 1.34 mm
Total Length: 36.5″
Blade Length : 30″
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz.

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