RARE Medieval LONGSWORD from Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword

A rare late-medieval longsword featured in Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Swords examined in my hands. Auction: www.woolleyand...
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[@yeedbottomtext7563]

You’re like “forgotten weapons” but for blade auctions and I’m all here for it

[@scholagladiatoria]

As a fan of Ian's, I take that as a compliment. Thanks!

[@Poleson]

Would absolutely love to see Matt and Ian do a video together!

[@andreweden9405]

I've always said that Ian should really title his channel "Forgotten Guns". It's really not a "weapons" channel because all he ever features is guns.

[@bull614]

I agree. If he were to do more of these, I would definitely watch them alongside the rest, lol. The breakdowns of fight scenes by him are something I look forward to as well.

[@Poleson]

@@andreweden9405 he is American 😝 But he did do one video in Iceland about a viking sword, I think. It's a long time since I saw it but I do remember thinking it was a nice change to see him talk about a non firearm weapon.

[@iknok4942]

Ewart Oakeshott is my great-grandfather. I clicked on this video after seeing the name

[@calkig]

What a beautiful piece of craftsmenship.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Is it just me or the audio got cut off around 3:50

[@_Matthias_0815]

No, sound just stops.

[@Pilgrim98]

It's not just you

[@ronaldxyz1001]

Me too

[@GaryNac]

Yeah something weird definitely seemed to have happened with the audio around that time.I actually felt the need to go back in the video and do a double take.

[@Michael_Maxfield]

Matt started swearing like a sailor at that point.

[@geodkyt]

While I could see little gold or silver figures in the "alcoves" on fhe pommel, my first thought was glued in colored glass or semi-precious stones like garnets or amethysts.

[@blvalverde]

Quite possibly. Which would also be easier to pry out and sell separately or fall off in battle.

[@j.g.elmslie9901]

I know its Wooley and Wallis auctioneers, but I keep hearing "William Wallace", and the mental picture of Mel Gibson facepainted as a blue smurf hosting an auction has me in stitches.

[@Ithirahad]

I cannot hear it as anything else than "William Wallace" meself lol. The "wooley' part is not making it all the way in my ears properly; maybe there's already some woolly stuff in there somewhere :D

[@garrenbrooks4778]

Ever since Tods and your own videos on the topic of flaws in historical craftsmanship i cant stop noticing them lol

[@donnajinks8349]

We really enjoy these videos giving the stats of medieval/historical swords. Thanks Matt!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Glad you like them!

[@killerkraut9179]

@@scholagladiatoria Wasnt a similar sword not found in skandinavia?

[@ZemplinTemplar]

The multiple-fullering reminds me not only of Italian cinquedeas, but also of the rather "Italian-styled" fictional hand-and-a-half sword that Boromir uses in the LOTR films. (Presumably because Gondor is meant to have a somewhat Mediterranean flair to its culture and weapons.)

[@Solitary_Scribe55]

I can't speak for the designers at Weta, but Tolkien said himself that Gondor in the Third Age was supposed to be somewhat reminiscent of Byzantium/Constantinopoli. Kind of a shame that Weta went for late medieval instead of early medieval as Tolkien envisioned.

[@RealZeratul]

And interestingly it's also quite similar (minus the central fuller) to the ancient Chu jian, which are octagonal with the central two faces being hollow-ground. Not implying this to be anything but chance and convergent evolution, of course.

[@cheyannei5983]

​@@Solitary_Scribe55IIRC it was supposed to have mirror bronze roofs or something?

[@Solitary_Scribe55]

@@cheyannei5983 Errr no. Gondor was a remnant of a bigger civilisation - Numenor, much like Byzantium was a remnant of the Roman Empire. The geographical location of Gondor in the west of M.E. is comparatively similar to that of Constantinopoli being on the eastern edge of South-east Europe.

[@dlatrexswords]

Wonderful! So great seeing such a famous sword up close and personal. It’s like a Bigfoot sighting. As always, thank you so much for your insight, and especially the attention to giving us the raw stats on this beast.

[@bmclaughlan]

You have to love when it swells at the tip.

[@janvanardoen9531]

When it swells. Period.

[@purplepothos5794]

3:46 I had to google it, 10 sides is a decagon.

[@3.k]

10 years are a decade. 😊

[@batteredwarrior]

Stunning sword in absolutely beautiful condition! To think it's over 500 years old is incredible!

[@troygilliland9485]

That may well be the most beautiful sword I've seen you present!

[@PalleRasmussen]

Mateusz Sulowski Swords has made a beautiful reproduction of this.

[@TheHorzabora]

Really awesome that you have such access, but far more awesome that you put it to such good use!

[@ariochiv]

That is one seriously beautiful sword. All the more so because it seems to be very practical. Surely the slots housed some kind of gemstone, glass or enamel? Metal decorations would have required some sort of attachment point.

[@santossalinas4221]

I like watching your videos because I feel like you're teaching me something without being pretentious about it. You remind me of the only two teachers from childhood that I actually listened to, thank you.

[@willinnewhaven3285]

"One, two, hands of blue"

[@benm5913]

I swear by my pretty flower bonnet that this is a reference I didn't expect.

[@crazypetec-130fe7]

"I'm certain any gentleman here would loan you a sword."

[@BitterSteel69]

That thing is SO clean, can’t afford an antique but I’d buy a replica for sure.

[@jaydavis2679]

If I posted that online as a modern reproduction, a bunch of people would be telling me it was a bad reproduction, as the hilt was too long for the blade to be historically accurate!

[@swordsman1062]

my HEMA journey began after I fulfilled a childhood dream of commissioning a bespoke sword for myself. It has a two handed grip with a 32” blade. After my first little while working with modern feders I was so worried I made it too unrealistically short. Since then with more research I’ve realized that it’s totally fine (in fact lends itself to a style that suits me) but still anytime I see evidence or examples like this beauty I’m like “sweet sweet historical precedence, baby!!” Also, I really do hope more reproductions (and sparring-safe trainers) are made in this approximate size. The market is tragically sparse for bastard sword fans like myself.

[@SeanKabanuk]

Similar story for me. I purchased my first sharp in “bastard sword” dimensions before I started HEMA long sword - and have had similar doubts about its 33” blade length since then. However, I prefer 32” to 35” long sword blades, even though I’m a tall person. They just feel better to me. I use a VB Fiore feder with a 34.75” blade for most of my longsword practice and really only use my 39” bladed feder for competitions. Anyway, great to see a historical example in these dimensions. What a beautiful sword!

[@swordsman1062]

@@SeanKabanuk ah, a fellow tall person! I am tall and also a broad build. I’m naturally steady and strong, but not as fast & nimble as a lot of my classmates. For a long time I operated off an assumption that swords should scale with their user, and taller people “should” use a longer sword just because they “can” (even this I now question- are things like forearm strength and wrist stability really that functionally different in taller vs shorter people?). But in my case, I found that using a shorter sword has kept my defense tighter and faster against fast & nimble opponents - and sets me up much better for grappling, where I have a natural advantage (and a lot of fun)

[@repeat_defender]

WOW! It's so beautiful in person!!! Thank you for this, what a treat!

[@swordsman1062]

my HEMA journey began after I fulfilled a childhood dream of commissioning a bespoke sword for myself. It has a two handed grip with a 32” blade. After my first little while working with modern feders I was so worried I made it too unrealistically short. Since then with more research I’ve realized that it’s totally valid, but still anytime I see examples like this beauty I’m like “sweet sweet historical precedence, baby!!” I would love for more reproductions (and sparring-safe trainers) made in this approximate size. The market is tragically sparse for bastard sword fans like myself. I have a Sigi mini-sized longsword feder (33” blade) and training with it has been incredibly fun and informative.

[@Xileph410]

I don't know why but i have a feeling that those recess could hold some gems because that sword is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship

[@henrykohver4771]

I had same feeling about those holes inside that pommel.

[@j.g.elmslie9901]

what's more likely than gems would be small bronze inserts. At its simplest, those might well have been little "gothic arch" windows like in a church. At their most complex they might have been tiny little representations of saints, cast in bronze or silver. More remote possibility would be that such inserts could be gilded, and a very remote possibility is such figures could be partially enamelled. (... I wrote, a minute before Easton said that exact same thing....)

[@graycelowe7641]

i was really suspicious it had been shortened until you got to the reinforced tip and where the balance is. what a fascinating sword.

[@GoblinWife]

Absolutely jealous of you for handling that weapon, brilliant to see it up close

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks for the detailed showcase with all the measurements! Immensely helpful. Good to see a medieval original with very tight crossguard opening to receive the blade. The pommel of this sword is incredibly similar to the sword once owned by the Regent of Sweden Svante Nilsson Sture except the pommel of that sword has all the facets even on the back. That pommel also has 3 recesses that are speculated to once hold the carving of religious figures in them. Both swords are quite short and hefty (I believe the base thickness of the Svante Sture sword is over 1 cm). I can't tell if the blade is originated in Italy, as there were quite a few swords with multiple fullers running the entire length of the blades in Austria and Bavaria, though those are typical quite long, usually over 40" in length.

[@-ManusAdFerrum-]

Another sword with the same type of pommel, full facetted and with three recesses, is on display in the museum in Wittenberg, Germany. This sword has been used as a executioners sword. Originally a battlesword of the late 15th century, the point became cut off, the tang shortened and the blade was grinded to a lenticular crossection. Crossguard with sidering and straight asymmetric bars and Pommel were reused.

[@Dave_0993_I]

What a great video and what a great sword! The blad, hilt, pommel harkens to a movie sword like LOTR.

[@jacobmclendon4387]

Man this was a good video Glad I know what all this terminology means as to appreciate legitimate historical construction Comparing “real swords” on the internet you can buy to the real things helps me appreciate it

[@tgjaedan]

That really is a beautiful sword. It is like the true to life item that the little boy in a fantasy world in me would want to carry as my weapon. Jealous you get to hold so many of these amazing pieces.

[@emmanouil9400]

An amazing sword! The guard and especially the pommel, are reminiscent of the Svante Nilsson sword, if I am not mistaken.

[@GrandDungeonDad]

Beautiful piece even hundreds of years after its manufacture pretty cool!

[@KalteGeist]

Ayyy, I have an Atrim / CF replica of that one. A little short feeling but still goes through Tatami like a dream.

[@s_s-g4d]

just like any topic narrated by a passionate professional, this was very enjoyable.

[@matthewdavies2057]

Waiting for Windlass to produce a good copy for peanuts.

[@ScottWoodruff-wh3ft]

Nice. All through the video, I was thinking "show me the tip!" Very nice reinforced tip.

[@JustSomeDutchGuy-]

Gorgeous sword, great video, thanks!

[@MrBendylaw]

Proper sword, right there. That thing probably gave pause to a couple of generations of lace covered nobility who were in a hurry to fight. Sucker's got 'regret' forged right into it.

[@hqt946]

This is fascinating Matt!

[@youtubevoice1050]

Makes sense, as southern Germany and northern Italy share an ethnic connection since the migration era. In Germanic legends the hero Dietrich Von Bern comes to mind - Bern not referring to the town in Switzerland, but rather being an old name for Verona in northern Italy.

[@JASPACB750RR]

I think the pockets in the pommel were put there to reduce the mass but still get the prominent shape. Hollow out some of the steel and put in a lighter infill material such as amber. Not only will it look more stunning and high end, but it’d be fairly easy to fill those to such a point that it’d change the balance point of the sword. A more hilt heavy sword would be easier to control and have a little more punch when thrusting into mail. Back mass acting as a hammer behind the hand. Remove the infill and mass for a more blade heavy sword would be more ideal for sweeping or flowing cutting motions, keeping momentum and power at the blade end vs behind the hand. Fatiguing the arm and wrist trying to keep directional control and proper edge alignment.

[@Kargoneth]

Beautiful craftsmanship.

[@robmartin9782]

This was interesting, thank you. What a beautiful sword indeed. Reminds me of why bastard swords are my favourite type of melee weapons.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

I bought a copy of Oakeshott 6 or so years ago. It is quite interesting to look at the development and history of the sword and all the surrounding "military" happenings.

[@bencoomer2000]

A truly nice looking sword.

[@davidbanks6658]

It looks in very good condition. "it belongs in a museum" as Indiana jones would say. I hope whoever does buy it knows how to look after it.

[@PieterBreda]

I.lovd those antique blades. They're as cool as it gets.

[@JohnMacFergus-oz5cp]

A good watch. Thanks friend. Cheers.

[@paulgibbons2320]

Very nice. I could definitely see myself welding that.

[@taylor_green_9]

Quite an interesting sword. Clearly, a lot of thought went into its design, both the blade and the hilt

[@jasonborder4175]

I think I saw some tool marks in the recesses of the pommel. It does look like something was chiseled out of the center recess but. done with some care. It was hard to see at a quick glance.

[@Tyler-hk4wo]

that blade style is so beautiful.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

The fullering is really appealing. Handsome sword, thank you for the video sir! Hilt reminds me of the Albion Svante

[@staffordbt]

The overall configuration, specially the hilt, reminds a lot of that one.... And the original its based on.

[@leonpeters-malone3054]

I had an audio drop around 3:50 in this vid. Very beautiful sword. A bit oddball, but I like it. One thing I'd call this? Cavalry sword. It's not long enough to really need two hands to make the most of it. At the same time, it's not short enough to be really, natively comfortable for single handed use. What it is, is short enough to be easily controlled in a single hand and long enough to strike a target from horseback. And we avoid that wonderful definition of bastard sword as given in that legal case I know of from London. A bastard sword being a sword, shorter than a two handed sword and longer than a single handed sword. Real useful definition that. It did seem to be quite short from first appearances. I wouldn't have said 31" though. I would have thought a bit longer, 33" odd, maybe even 34".

[@Hiltok]

The audio drop is not just you. Others have commented on it, too.

[@hoteckkan]

Whenever you go to auctions, I lose it! This is the best!

[@dimitriwolfs9370]

Darn it! I immediately noticed the cinquedea similarity and thought i would be the smart-ass pointing this out to everyone 😂😂😂😂 A minute l8r you ruined my ego fueled plan by saying exactly that!!!! Thanks for reminding me who the real expert is . Yours humbly.

[@windalfalatar333]

Thank you, Matt!!

[@M.M.83-U]

Great video for a wonderfull, gorgeous, sword; this one look as close as perfectly balanced as one can be. You should think about taking advantage of the digital era and publishing an addendum/errata corrige with the exact measurements and more photos of various details.

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

Very interesting vid - and sword. Thanks for sharing this.

[@QuentinStephens]

There's no audio from about 3:50 to about 4:00. Thank you for showing us this sword; it's a pity they didn't allow you to demonstrate it in action.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

I have always loved this sword particularly. Gosh I wish I could afford to own it!

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video ⚔️

[@draven86]

Kinda reminds me of a Witcher longsword

[@nahuelmat]

It's the generic green handle longsword every guy has lol

[@pauloldfield6968]

Great presentation matt what's is worth

[@stephengarrett8076]

Outstanding blade 👍absolutely beautiful.

[@DETHMOKIL]

these estates seem much more realistic compared to the last auction Matt visited. Wooly and Wallis wont give you any false hope about casually owning this lol

[@calkig]

Just a heads up to @scholagliatora: your sound goes out in the video from 3:50 to 4:00

[@scholagladiatoria]

Oh wow, it does... Well that sucks. Too late to edit now :-(

[@calkig]

still a great video, sir. I am a big fan of this history of these pieces. Its amazing to see how long something made with human hands can last.

[@lukewilliams8548]

From a certain angle I was reminded of fluted armor. I wouldn't be too surprised if those fullers were quite fashionable. That and whatever may have been in the alcoves.

[@n0tthemessiah]

I think it's a really handsome sword without being too fancy. The fullers really give it a lot of character. I also quite like that it's a bit shorter with a large grip.

[@thinusconradie4297]

Called it! Figured this was a sword for overcoming armour a minute into the video! Maybe... mayyyybe my Mat Easton education is starting to pay off. When do I get my diploma?

[@boringusername792]

Very unusual for such a short blade to have such a long handle!

[@MacA60230]

If windlass/royal armouries are up for it this would be a reproduction i would grab in a heartbeat.

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

I have to say, that looks beautiful. AND "the business".

[@emmanueleustache4715]

The quillions on this sword are visually identical to those on the longsword in the Musée de Cluny (aka the albion Cluny) ; on the museum's website it's also labelled as german, and it definitely had a rainguard (although the current one was probably added in the 19th century)

[@Bounty_Hunter0000]

Beautifull piece.

[@imagesbirds5066]

Really love the looks of such a beefy one-and-a-half-sword.

[@LeonM4c]

What a wonderful blade. A true treasure.

[@TheAdeybob]

I'd like to see a jeweller look at those three recesses, if only to rule out gem/semi-precious/cabochon stone placement via a claw/prong/bezel arrangement. I did note that the top centre of all the recesses look rough...almost as if something was folded back and then cut away from them. There also seems to be a lip on the bottom of at least one of the recesses. This shouts semi 'bezel' to me, for mounting rectangular stones.

[@hellequingentlemanbastard9497]

There is a lovely Renaissance hand-and a half/ bastard-sword for sale on "Antik Buchenwald". I wish I had the cash to buy this one, but it's still nice to look at.

[@PekkaHH]

Wonderful video and so many details and must have taken enormous amount of time to make. Anyone know what the winning bid was at the auction?

[@outsideiskrrtinsideihurt699]

17:25 Is this a common feature on longswords or do only some have them. I wonder how many surviving longswords were meant for civilian wear and how many were forged with the battlefield in mind. Maybe a video can be made on this?

[@jonasbarka]

Longswords vary quite a bit. We got thin blades optimized for cutting cloth and flesh and on the other end very narrow and thick ones that are more like metal bars with a point. I think Matt has speculated those were most often used halfswording, almost like a pollaxe. To me this one seems to be in the middle. It retains most of the cutting ability but the reinforcement helps against armor. My wild guess is that at the time there were more civilian longswords, as even if you weren't a fighter you might wear one as a status symbol.

[@timothydavies5337]

this is one of the most buetifull swords if seen :)

[@TheBlindedLeader]

Beautiful sword. I want one, just without the S shape guard. Not my style but very cool

[@SuperThodin]

Hi Matt, your insights on pommel design and quillon curvature were quite interesting. Interestingly, although I'm right-handed in most activities, I naturally hold a sword with my left hand on top. This was also my stance when I practiced kendo. It feels as unnatural to switch as writing with my left hand. Could you discuss this in a future video? Is it common? Thanks and love your channel.

[@bentrieschmann]

More common for the other way around, writing with left and sport like activities with the right. Did you break either arm when you were younger?

[@renanrochapacanarotrinca3812]

Damn, this sword is just gorgeous, really

[@MaaZeus]

I wish I was a rich man because I would totally try to buy that one and put it in a glass display case, to be admired every day. 🤤

[@mramseyISU]

What does a medieval sword in good condition sell for at auction? I don’t really know what the market is for something like that.

[@jellekastelein7316]

@@mramseyISU Hard to say exactly. The estimate is £15,000 - £20,000, plus buyer's premium (so add about 30%), but the bidding might well go higher. Sometimes much higher. One of the Alexandria swords sold not too long ago for well over half a million dollars iirc.

[@IGathron]

Beautiful

[@robbikebob]

Its an honour to finally get to hold it......that's what she said....

[@AlphonsoFrett-xz6pi]

Very cool sword

[@Jargolf86]

Such a Beauty. Do you have any Informations for how much it sold off or will sell?

[@WhatIfBrigade]

18:00 Do you feel like the longer handle would be an advantage in armour vs. armour fighting? The blade isn't that long, so would a longer handle help in half swording, etc?

[@dougsinthailand7176]

It would be wondrous to have an Oakeshott museum of medieval swords with all of his type swords in possession.

[@andreweden9405]

Gorgeous sword! Might as well be a Type XVIII in terms of its profile.

[@tommeakin1732]

Alright, that's one of those things that tickles me in all the right ways. That blade looks mean. One of the first things that came to mind (rightly or wrongly) was the morgul blades from Lord of the Rings lol.

[@atvanael]

I was thinking the same thing

[@Joe___R]

Since the windows in the pommel are fairly rough inside I doubt it was supposed to be empty when it was made. Something was glued into them originally. It is impossible to know what they contained.

[@Bluebearymango]

I always wince when I see someone holding an antique sword by the handle. There's no telling what condition the wood is in under the covering, and I imagine it crumbling away like a tea-soaked Fig Newton.

[@bobrank3291]

Well done

[@edrandell424]

Hmmmm, having fullers right upto the blade edge would make it hollow ground would it not? Or are the fullers next to the edge not too deep so as to make the edge stronger? Absolutely beautiful sword, amazing what was / is possible with coal fired forges and hand tools!

[@Tommiart]

Wonderful

[@michael3088]

I love that blade!