The Association of Medieval Crusaders

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel (AB)

Information

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel

Copy of a sword found at Borrevang, Odsherred in Denmark, dated to approx. 1200. The form indicates that it is a slashing and cutting weapon designed for battle from horse against armour - textiles and some chainmail.
Compared to earlier times, the blade is long and narrow, and it runs parallel to the point, which is rounded and with a slightly pointed profile. The fuller runs almost the entire length of the blade, it is now small and thin, which optimizes the sword's strength against chainmail.
The cross-guard is very long and the pommel is round to the grip, the sword is optimized for use with the wrist around its axis of rotation. A new form of fencing with both shields and swords, which is likely to arise with the invention of cavalry and the increased use of chainmail.
(Oakeshott type: Blade XI, Pommel H, Cross-guard 1).

Sources

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel 01 (A)

Source type (A):
Archaeological object.
Current location:
Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen Denmark (D 7953).
Place of origin:
Borrevang, Odsherred, Denmark.
Dating:
Ca. 1200.
Note:
A.B. Hoffmeyer pl. XII - d
Oakeshott type: Blade XI, Pommel H, Cross-guard 1.
Inscription "+ IN + N MINEDOMINI + Maltese crosses & rosettes".

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel 02 (B)

Source type (B):
Manuscript.
Name:
Glossa ordinaria in lamentationes Ieremie Prophete.
Author:
Heinrich von Veldeke.
Current location:
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (ms. germ. fol. 282 - f.53r).
Place of origin:
Austria.
Dating:
1150-1200.
Note:
King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the execution of the sons of King Zedekiah of Judah.

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel 03 (B)

Source type (B):
Manuscript.
Name:
Manuscript without title.
Author:
Heinrich von Veldeke.
Current location:
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Germany (ms. germ. fol. 282 - f.53r).
Place of origin:
Bayern, Germany.
Dating:
1220-1230.

More sources

Sword XI - oval pommel - brazil nut shaped 04 (A)

Source type (A):
Archaeological object.
Current location:
Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen Denmark (D 8801).
Place of origin:
Søborg castle or lake, Holbo Herred, Denmark.
Dating:
Ca. 1100-1150 (maybe as early as 1075).
Note:
A.B. Hoffmeyer pl. V - c.
Oakeshott type: Blade XI. 3, Pommel A, Cross-guard 1.
Inscription "SCS PETRVNS +BENEDIC´ATNTN.SET.MA.T+".

Sword XI - disc-shaped pommel 05 (A)

Source type (A):
Archaeological object.
Current location:
Moyse's Hall Museum, Suffolk, England (SHER number: FSF10976).
Place of origin:
Fornham, Suffolk, England (Probably from the Battle of Fornham in 1173).
Dating:
Ca. 1100.
Note:
A.B. Hoffmeyer pl. X - d.
Oakeshott type: Blade XI - 9, Pommel H, Cross-guard 1.
Silver inscription: Front: 'INOMINEDOMINI' Back: '+SES'

+ KORSFARERNE +