The 600-Year-Old Sword Found in Texas | Christie's

‘I was stunned when the pieces started falling into place,’ recalls specialist Howard Dixon of the moment an unassuming folio of photographs was presented to him in a restaurant in Texas earlier this year.
On the seventh page, a small photograph showed a medieval Italian broadsword - a piece which bore a striking resemblance to another that had been mysteriously missing since the 1940s. Until that moment, says Dixon, ‘no one knew where it had gone, and the trail had gone cold.’
In this video, Dixon reveals how a ‘twin’ sword in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art helped trace the Harriet Dean sword’s history back to 15th century Cyprus - describing what it felt like to make ‘a once in a lifetime discovery.’
Read more at www.christies.c...
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[@christies]

Thanks for all of your questions about gloves. I spoke to Howard Dixon to find out more, and he explained that where possible specialists avoid wearing gloves to reduce the risk of an object slipping out of their grip! In this case the sword is handled in a temperature-controlled room, with clean hands, and wiped down immediately after handling, so the risk of corrosion damage is minimal.

[@gothamgoon4237]

Ok, thanks for the info. I am a nihonto collector myself and we do not use gloves but we also don't touch the blade with our bare hands, just the nakago. Good to hear all precautions were taken where appropriate with such a important historical blade.

[@Datsyzerberg]

roger Rumble im sure it has enough patina at this point its a null point and if anything oils preserve and resist corrosion

[@josevalerodiaz4553]

Christie's es una empresa del grupo de pintura y decoración de interiores

[@ncc91701]

Agreed. It's a piece of metal. Probably could have done with a spot of oil a few centuries ago.

[@koolerm4806]

Plus........I WANT TO FEEL IT'S MOJO ON/IN MY HANDS!! JUST AWESOME 👍😁👌

[@renshinishi4381]

The inscription reads in translation: "Donation of al-Mālik al Mu`ayyad Abū al-Nasr Shaykh to the armory in the frontier city of Alexandria [in the] year 822

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Thank you very much for the interpretation! 🌷

[@ronakbhatt4106]

Excalibur

[@mrm8556]

هذا السيف صنع في مدينة الاسكندرية المصرية يعني اصله عربي

[@MrRusdawg]

And they are trying to pawn it off as Italian…

[@aroundtheworldaly]

@@MrRusdawg typical white man move 🤦‍♀️

[@BENHOOPERMUSIC]

today i realised there is a clear distinction between 'found in' and 'excavated in'.

[@alexrentz5191]

Lol same here.

[@muzzer3726]

Typical fake news headline

[@gamerhpxx]

You would never excavate anything medieval in n/a

[@johncole4882]

@@gamerhpxx I agree but in some of the first colonies like Jamestown they find super old artifacts that were brought over by some of the first settlers. I only know this from the other videos that brought me here

[@bernardochill2535]

Another word. Stolen

[@beavis4763]

Rick from Pawn Stars: FFFfffff best I can do is $20

[@mrjohn.whereyoufrom]

Don't forget he needs to frame it as well.

[@Carlos-nq7up]

😆😂🤣

[@Alan-ej6wb]

And I’m taking a huge risk at that

[@danibundy641]

Imagine how many people that sword went through

[@implausibleimpossiblehypot4006]

Like physically as in it went through peoples bodys or passed down through peoples hands over time

[@DarkMatterX1]

@@implausibleimpossiblehypot4006 Pretty sure he means physically cut down in battle. Odds are probably zero since it was a diplomatic gift to commemorate the signing of a peace treaty.

[@implausibleimpossiblehypot4006]

@@DarkMatterX1 well that would be quite ironic if a peace treaty sword killed anyone

[@firmhand]

most survivong old weapons are decorative or ritualistic

[@theangrygamer895]

@@DarkMatterX1 we will never know.

[@brendanthebdog]

Texas is a wild place, couldn't even imagine what other priceless artifacts the Republic holds!

[@sandramorey2529]

I just saw a video that a similar sword covered with shells and rocks was just found by a diver off Haifa in Israel. He was just out for a swim. They say it is medieval. This is pretty amazing as well.

[@joselimjoco3367]

I couldn't wait until it is cleaned and shown to the public.

[@jlcrproductions301]

@@joselimjoco3367 they said it was in perfect condition so it will be something to behold once it is cleaned off

[@jennamullinax]

@Armpitjam 4 how do you know this? A sword would have to be pretty sturdy to use in battle, I bet it would survive underwater untouched

[@Red-jl7jj]

@Armpitjam 4 swords made for knights, especially the ones going on crusade, would've been mostly finely made. swords are also not just a status symbol, and you would often transition to your sword once your lance broke/you were chasing down enemies/got into a melee with enemy cavalry. The 12th/13th centuries weren't the same as the 14th and 15th centuries. And even then, swords were constantly used, especially against peasants who revolted, and when your pollax was rendered unusable (such as being grabbed, broken, etc). Weapons were expected to be used, and thus were used. Men at Arms brought their own weapons, why would they bring a crudely built, unbalanced sword?

[@fredforsythe8310]

Not allowed in England as the blade is fixed and more than 3 inches long. It could hurt someone.

[@rosskaske6357]

BIN IT!

[@JustReed]

Yes, let's be very afraid. lol

[@test-201]

it's an antique so its allowed don't forget to press 2 for spanish

[@dakota5921]

Haha look at England with their lack of deadly weapons everywhere 😎 they don’t even have school shootings every single day 🤢 USA 🇺🇸 USA 🇺🇸 USA 🇺🇸

[@MegaTomtom69]

The US doesnt have school shootings everyday either... derp ​@@dakota5921

[@kuribo1]

That fucking blade looks amazing even through the screen you can see how it moves in the hands. The distal taper, the balance, blade geometry are perfection. I can only guess how light that sword is and what a pleasure it must feel like to swing it. Absolutely amazing amazing piece made by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

[@moldarch7937]

This is a testament to human history and belongs in a museum.

[@judjudersawn2596]

So do you!

[@Farhan_in_Delhi]

I can read arabic, so the name written on the sword in arabic actually denotes that this sword belonged to a man named Abu Al ma'e, a traditional arabic name

[@Farhan_in_Delhi]

@John Vaughan Forde I'm telling ya man...I know how to read and write arabic...it's the name that I mentioned..what needs to be researched is that who that guy was, if you ask me, probably a high ranking military officer in mamluk ranks, that's why the sword's all shiny and decorated with all that beautiful calligraphy

[@DarkMatterX1]

Doesn't Abu mean father?

[@yoon7403]

@@DarkMatterX1 that would be his oldest son the name infront of abu

[@demonic_myst4503]

@@Farhan_in_Delhi the sword was gifted to him by the cyprus king then he donated it to the museium of alexandria

[@joebro391]

For anyone wondering... Estimate: $105,280 USD - $150,400 USD Sale price: $576, 658 USD

[@alexwinchester157]

600 years later... Carl: Hey bob look what at this rare find, wipes off dirt. Bob: *gasps*, *tears up*, I've been searching for this for 17 years. *Camera reveals fidget spinner.*

[@rd468magnum]

The sword is willed to my brother ronald.and it belongs to my family.IT IS STOLEN AND THERES GOING TO BE HELL TO PAY.SOON YOU WILL OBSERVE THIS STATEMENT

[@rd468magnum]

Is Ronald DERADOURIAN A FRIEND OF YOURS.

[@althesmith]

The edges still look sharp. One of those rare Medieval swords that could be used in battle today if needed.

[@DarrenC_1024]

Only in zombie apocalypse...

[@monkeyslap]

Meaning, not made in China.

[@DarrenC_1024]

+stimul8 Ever heard of "Sword of Gou Jian"?

[@DarrenC_1024]

Maybe, if you clash it against iron or steel swords. But we are talking about sharpness. The Sword of Gou Jian is razor sharp even after over 2500 years it was made. It's marvelous given that it was made of bronze, a metal that is way weaker than steel. Many steel swords didn't even survived 2000 years. Also, it's made in China.

[@xbman1]

stimul8 : Your ignorance show by your comment.

[@gradualpull2171]

I own a modern recreation of this blade by albion. It certainly is a wonderful and well attuned design, love it.

[@sspeck8154]

It would be amazing to hold such history.

[@andyman8630]

man, last time i saw my sword was just over 600 years ago when i stuck it in a rock! never thought i'd see the day!

[@RalphHeron-d6w]

That's nothing....found a rock in my garden millions of years old.l........

[@joelgeiser675]

Hahaha!!😅

[@cuervoblanco71]

I have a gold ring with a diamond on my finger. the gold is formed in the protostar preceding our solar system. The diamond is much younger 150 million years old. Should I get exited about it

[@liamgross7217]

@@cuervoblanco71if you think about it hard enough, yes. 🙂✨ But I’d take the sword.

[@andreasalexandrou4113]

Living in Cyprus, this video appears out of nowhere, I say "meh its about swords, it must be something cool lets see" -"These particular swords where diplomatic gifts from the Kingdom of Cyprus". Guess its a small world we live in...

[@Valor.]

No, I am the original owner, and we fought dragons 600 years ago, and the dragon wars happened in Texas.

[@ArtisanVaquero]

Here is the transcription of the Arabic text: بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ابو الفتح الملك الامام السلطان العادل Translated to English, it reads: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Abu al-Fath, the King, the Imam, the Just Sultan" This kind of inscription is typically found on historical artifacts, especially those belonging to significant figures in Islamic history.

[@DrWoodyII]

"WOW" factor at work here. This is worth a trip to NY just to see. What a great find. Thank you for sharing.

[@elijahschott9978]

Its more than metal, its the understanding of good metallurgy and the ancestors who wielded it. I'm completely astounded that this blade survived in the current condition. Not just metal but history that can be held and understood.

[@Williameagleblanket]

The sword was probably given away by some watery tart in an aquatic ceremony. 😂

[@hawkinatorgamer9725]

Thats no basis for a system of government.

[@fellspoint9364]

I’ll take the tart

[@danbaumann8273]

😂

[@belliott538]

DamnIt! Was thinking this exact thing… Scrolled down a few comments and there it was… Missed it by > < that much… 😈

[@MrSuperrajab]

Im Arabic but the rightings are written in an artistic way and Im not sure what it says but ill do some research XD

[@mattheww797]

It's not Arabic, it is written in elvish, it says, One sword to rule them all, one sword to find them, one sword to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them.

[@pawhackett9661]

MrSuperrajab could be an earlier version of the language that you won't be able to understand

[@RavenCify]

it's Arabic, they said it's: "Donation of al-Mālik al Mu`ayyad Abū al-Nasr Shaykh to the armory in the frontier city of Alexandria [in the] year [A.H.] 822 [A.D. 1419]." metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23189

[@universeconsciouscitizensc592]

Engineering craftsmen have always been around making truly excellent stuff, and here is a fine example. The legacy of nerds...

[@kerbygator]

I would take it to Pawn Stars pawn shop and see what Chumley would give me for it.

[@MyCatJeff]

He's got some NFTs you're gonna LOVE.

[@kerbygator]

@@MyCatJeff lol

[@SuperVokan]

He’s taking all the risk.

[@jeremygalloway1348]

A 40 of steel reserve

[@jeremygalloway1348]

​@SuperVokan that's true...and lord knows it'll sit in that shop for another 600 years before someone buys it

[@Americanbadashh]

The reverence in which is man is talking about this sword is bringing me to tears

[@criztu]

it's called hype

[@bulldogblvd]

That sword is amazing, I want to hold it!

[@RichterBelmont2235]

So that Age of Empire 3 campaign where an army of Persian Janissary accompanying a Malta Knight Crusaders to America is not entirely made up is it?

[@coleknight5335]

Joey Diamond lol I'm dying

[@NateGLJ]

I own a Principe Alexandria replica of this sword type but with a fishtail pommel same crossguard, beautiful sword, the dimensions are divine. A real piece of art and it cuts through tatami like butter, if these were ever used by crusaders or turks on the battlefield they would have been a force to be reckoned with.

[@fobbitoperator3620]

Sword'a gives me the chills...

[@evantoal9949]

how is it so well preserved?

[@Soldier4USA2005]

Materials it's made from, environment it was kept in, lack of use, phenomenal amount of care. There is no way this thing just sat around for centuries. People maintained it. Possibly as a sort of family trade/promise.

[@miklmiklmtrcycl6009]

Not sure that In the 15th century Cyprus had a king? Might it be from when the Venicians ruled Cyprus? Théy called it an Italian sword. The Arabic script likely added when it was in the hands of the ottomans who ruled Cyprus after the venicians.

[@chrisball3778]

Cyprus had kings for most of the 15th century. The Venetians didn't take over until 1489. You can find that out with a basic Google search. Here's Wikipedia: The Kingdom of Cyprus (French: Royaume de Chypre, Latin: Regnum Cypri) existed between 1192 and 1489. It was ruled by the French House of Lusignan. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Cyprus Maybe you're making the common mistake of confusing the 15th century with the 1500's? The 15th century is the 1400's. It seems like an odd convention, but does make sense when you think about it logically- the people living in the 'first century' were those living from 0-100. The 'second century' was from 100-200 and so on. Northern Italy was one of the major areas for arms and armour manufacture in medieval Europe, and Italian weapons were found all around Europe. A king looking to give a sword as a diplomatic gift would need it to be high quality, and so would obviously seek to get something made by the very best craftsmen. That's why a Cypriot king would give an Italian sword as a gift, rather than a locally produced one.

[@miklmiklmtrcycl6009]

@@chrisball3778 OK but is it really a Cypriot king? It was a French house that ruled, before that it was Richard and the templars. Perhaps it semantics Im struggling with but when a succession of European powers pass your country around and in the end some Frenchie decides he’s ruling over his “kingdom” and voila...king of Cyprus?

[@MAACH02]

@@miklmiklmtrcycl6009 is not "some frenchie decides he is the king" because that frenchie had to overthrow who ruled before him,so his role cames from his power,not from the sentence "ohh i am the king now"

[@120masterpiece]

Ok...I'm not the world's smartest person. I don't have a degree in history or archaeology. But at least I'm smart enough to know he probably washed his hands with a soap that removes oil and salt from his skin before handling the sword. Also, I'm smart enough to know there's a fine layer of oxidization (no, I don't know what it's called) that protects the steel.

[@robertguinn8590]

MeatHook the fine layer of oxidation is called a patina. you dead on that it protects the sword. think of anodized metal.

[@glorygracek.1841]

They probably just thought it was just a really cool replica.

[@stevengood1812]

Without gloves

[@HostileLemons]

Steven Good I doubt you would need gloves. it's steel not an old paper book.

[@stevengood1812]

HostileLemons oils in the hand are damaging

[@HostileLemons]

Steven Good wow that was quick. anyway, considering its in good condition I think damage from oil on the hands are negligible. I doubt in its 600 year life people held it with gloves.

[@jasondoty2651]

Steven Good is right. The oil from the hands can be damaging, if not proper clean after being touch. Human oils and sweat can be acidic.

[@stevengood1812]

Jason Doty i thought so cause when you see Tobias capwell touching things it's always with gloves

[@kathryncarter6143]

Fascinating. I'd love to see that whole museum.

[@jordan771]

That would be an awesome discovery.

[@ChristaFree]

People have lost so many skill sets.

[@wadafuttshowprolem7998]

Yea , it’s not like anybody makes things like this anymore. Wouldn’t it be great to have a competition every week where knife and sword makers could square off against each other making the same types of armament and let highly skilled judges pick the best to go against each other one on one with a relatively hard task and try that armament against various cutting and strength test.

[@AndreasRibergaard]

well probably because america doesn't have any history regarding medieval swords, or REAL blacksmithing for that matter. with all due respect, The skillset of making swords has, and will never be in the hands of americans, since americans dont have any ancestral history regarding blacksmithing, or in any sort of craft, for that matter.

[@Teeveepicksures]

​@@AndreasRibergaard Salty Dane

[@edstar83]

This clearly looks like a Spanish or Portuguese sword . Apparently the engraving is in Arabic dated 8th century Alexandria. Someone took it back to North Africa and engraved it in Arabic. Because that's clearly a European sword. Moorish and Arab swords don't look like that.

[@skoolzone]

I was thinking that too very nicely made weapon even if it was just a ceremonial gift looks pretty viable to me yikes

[@Codename-B]

Touching carbon steel with your bare fingers. Such experts..

[@garystursa1353]

I thought the same thing, where are your gloves

[@philw8049]

Absolutely beautiful blade!

[@rnnumi7945]

When no one was looking, did you get to swing it around and make lightsaber noises?

[@beachboy13600]

I got a few of those in the garage, my kids fight each other with them. Its getting harder for them now, as they only have one arm each.

[@myview5840]

Tis but a scratch, they can still bite

[@belliott538]

They’ll grow back eventually…

[@DirtyDeerock]

That's a great piece of history you have there. Very nice

[@justsomerandomfishwithmap4185]

Imagine 300 years later that sword was found by the last human and his magical dog

[@MizantropMan]

"Adventure Time" reference?

[@HappisakVideos]

Beautiful sword.

[@cconder19]

“Why do you have Randy Jackson's autograph on a martial-arts weapon?” “I bumped into him and all I had was this sword...and you're not gonna not get Randy Jackson's autograph.”

[@anarmeherremov262]

I made a sword similar to this out of heavy truck spring. It took me two months work. It was total 165sm and out of it 40sm handle with spiked tip at the end. 23 years ago. You didn't have to cut with it. It was that heavy. Inspired by William Wallace's sword I saw in Scotland.

[@anarmeherremov262]

I made it while working abroad, so there was no chance taking it through airport. It just wouldn't go for a souvenir. So I drove it deep into the ground, as hard as I could and left. I must say it is a whole different feeling to hold it and swing it. Some men will understand what this is. Crazy... like I am.

[@highlander918]

Anar Meherremov Where is this said sword buried? If I ever come across your blade I will return it to you. I wish to someday forge a similar weapon from a spring. I was told it makes good sword steel.

[@szepi79]

@@highlander918 well, if that was 20 years ago, then either someone found it, or you won't have much to return.

[@highlander918]

@@szepi79 You’d be surprised how long a single piece of good steel can last… if that sword still lies within the earth, there’s nothing a bit of reforging can’t fix.

[@szepi79]

@@highlander918 you are correct, I would be surprised :D

[@theimaginariumnetwork5621]

Beautiful, amazing sword. Why no gloves when handling it?

[@theimaginariumnetwork5621]

@@norseman5041 Its about oils on hands and what not. Good lord you are ignorant.

[@DavidBrannon-rp2nq]

@@theimaginariumnetwork5621I watched antiques roadshow and pawn stars that makes me a expert I am a specialist at being a keyboard warrior

[@swimmer7064]

I bought mine at BUD K. $19.95.

[@jimmccoal2693]

😂

[@JB_Hobbies]

Amazing 😂

[@messiahmatrix]

Me too!

[@davidbooyer4851]

Well it appears that humans have been using things like this to let the air out of each other for ever! Dead is dead! The difference is how you got that way! Nuclear hand grenade or a bug bite! Amazing artifact!

[@jeanlawson9133]

Now they use poison and a syringe 💉

[@augustwest8559]

Beautiful craftsmanship.

[@jakerazmataz852]

I just watched a video of 2000 year old swords, found stashed in a cave, in the desert in the middle east.

[@RustyMadd]

What a beautiful piece of bladesmithing. Great find for the study of antiquity. Good job men!

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Strange and beautiful things are dispersed throughout the world! In my tiny Texas bungalow, I carefully keep a pouch of the Queen's Maundy money (presented at Chelmsford Cathedral 1963), one of FDR's embroidered tablecloths and a costume worn on Lucille Ball's Super Comedy Bowl (1971) by John Wayne. They will eventually end up with someone who will again treasure them...

[@Ranstone]

I have A shawl owned by Abraham Lincoln's wife. I was given it by my mother, who was given it by a 102 year old friend. I'm told it was sold when Mary left the white house. I have no idea if this is provable or not.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

GIs bought a lot of interesting stuff during and after the World Wars. I knew a man who bought a barrel of medieval swords really cheap.

[@bandicoot5412]

I just start an imaginary scan of what that sword experienced, great find!

[@manetho5134]

نقش على السيف بالعربية: "حبس الملك المؤيد أبو النصر شيخ لقصر السلاح بثغر الإسكندرية سنة ثمانمائة و عشرين و اثنين." و هو من الهدايا التي أرسلها ملك قبرص لسلطان مصر الملك المؤيد أبو النصر سيف الدين شيخ المحمودي

[@loghorizon9610]

Terima kasih kawan 👍

[@danbaumann8273]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@johnmartlew5897]

I was sure we were going to hear about some very very lost crusaders but 600 years isn’t old enough.

[@JohnWhite-pu3ys]

People are shocked that they are handling it without gloves. Are you shocked that it's been handled over the last 600 years without gloves. Chill out people.

[@mattr2238]

What a beautiful sword! Looks like it would still be ready to use in a battle.

[@dungeondesigns104]

What a clever little bit of clickbait that title is...

[@parrotshootist3004]

Perhaps. Alan Wilson on Prince Madoc of Wales arriving in Kentucky ~562AD might interest you. Apparently theres evidence there supporting the claim.

[@rolandmagiera3728]

Such inscriptions has often been added to battlefield trophies. European swords were accepted in the Orient for their solid and good constant quality, but nothing special. Byzantine and Indian blades were higly desired.

[@radiantjet418]

My goodness!!!! That blade is 600 hundred years old!! I collect knives and swords and some modern swords less than 100 years old look awful! But this is immaculate!!!

[@PanioloBee]

Interesting how they are handling the sword without gloves to protect it, if it’s so valuable!

[@truthseeker2190]

It's been around for 600 years, so I don't think it's too fragile

[@jackyhallmark3094]

Wash your hands before, wipe the sword afterward.

[@BlGGESTBROTHER]

It's steel man, steel takes oil well.

[@mc4906]

READ THE PINNED COMMENT

[@letherg1235]

That's a good sword

[@sam03062006]

Well, it does have Arabic writing close the grip confirming the story told.

[@thomasjamesdyejr1814]

Beautiful.

[@brianschwartz9294]

Ok, a 600 year old sword, and you are NOT WEARING GLOVES to protect from your acids in your sweat!

[@Alamyst2011]

It doesnt hurt it.

[@szepi79]

came here to say this. I almost screamed at the screen "wear gloves you idiot!". missing something basic like that questions the expertise of the people in the video. @Alamyst2011: yes it does. old blades must be handled with extra care and doing everything to avoid rusting. touching it with bare hands is a big no no.

[@Alamyst2011]

@@szepi79 Really? My god. I better stop touching my Roman Gladius. The oils in my hands must be made of something acidic.. Thanks. Woosh

[@szepi79]

@@Alamyst2011 you are very welcome. :P

[@Alamyst2011]

@@szepi79 Sarcasm.

[@Cormano980]

The symmetry, pommel and handle work, definitely a master swordsmith

[@edstar83]

Is is forged from Toledo steel?

[@Ose-here]

​@edstar83 what even is toledo steel?

[@richardsteele6776]

It is amazing when something like this turns up.

[@dondoyle8474]

A beautiful sword what did it sell for🤔

[@strangeperson700]

♩♬♩♬"In a restaurant... In a West end town.... Call the police there's a madman around..... Running down underground To a dive bar in a West end town...... In a West end town a dead end world!!! The Eastern boys and Western girrrllssss!!!!!" ♩♬ ♩♬ xO

[@ryanharris687]

More details please

[@KowboyUSA]

Not a certified vintage Yugo with strong provenance, but still impressive.

[@AustinB.3322]

You could bring a weapon like that into Valhalla.

[@ommsterlitz1805]

Not valhalla, this is a French crusader sword given as a diplomatic gift

[@Phreno_Xeno]

@@ommsterlitz1805 Uh, yeah?

[@ddreamberry2]

In the glove factory where I work we aren't allowed to touch gloves with anything but a sword.

[@darrellhamner4608]

Should have been more info on how it was found

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

an awesome handmade weapon

[@liberty-matrix]

War is humanities greatest legacy.

[@Ratt611]

What a tale!

[@galewinds7696]

Wow>>>>>>now the sword is 608 years old.

[@T-C-G]

It's not a proper YT Sword Video until you test how many Soda Bottles it can Cut through

[@ufcasual]

my family was in the battle of Bannockburn in 1314

[@thomastaffar8360]

Cameron Carruthers as we're mine but Culloden about wiped us out I'm a decendant of Flora MacDonald on my dad's side

[@hashtag415]

Cameron Carruthers For whose side did they fight?

[@Cosmoline]

The idea that blades must never be touched comes from modern collectors who are understandably afraid of goobers smearing wet hands on prized steel. With clean hands on an oiled blade there is no danger.

[@methinks1507]

Grabs sword with hands 🤣😂🤣

[@kdubs9111]

Men were sent to their deaths kissing this sword for nearly a millenia

[@williamavery9185]

I find it vary bad form that there is no follow up. And im buggered if im going all through all their blasted files. Bollocks to you sir !

[@crypter27]

A beautiful work of art and function

[@BespokeCarpentry]

Looks exactly like the principe

[@szepi79]

more like the Alexandria. both are type XVIII c, the differences are the handle and the pommel, and this one's looks like the Alexandria. or... the Alexandria looks like the reproduction of this one.

[@cyanvaughn3359]

Brits get worked up over a big knife… wait until someone tells them about a 10/22 charger with a pistol brace, subsonic ammo, and a red dot

[@Dylanschillin]

as someone who makes knives using carbon steels, you NEVER touch a blade with bare hands, not for cutting your self, but for the acids and grease on your hands

[@highlander918]

Yeah well you’re also supposed to clean and oil your sword after use, so corrosion is kept to a minimum. Otherwise cutting into a human being with said steel would be redundant would it not? Blood would be much more damaging than skin grease

[@Dylanschillin]

@@highlander918 yet most curators typically do not

[@dannyboywhaa3146]

WTF is that doing in Texas? Imagine how it got there, its story etc... whose hands has it passed through, what has it witnessed - no action it seems!

[@chuckvan1568]

Such a shame that so few of the swords made in the history of the world have survived to modern times. It would seem to me that no matter what sword and what era, it would be something to be treasured and preserved. Sad.

[@Neuwey331]

600 years old and is still in good condition.

[@Shooter11B]

I was going to say something about handling without gloves to keep the acid from your skin off the blade, but I see that was covered.

[@mikecockerham5285]

I hold a magnificent sword like that every time I take a shower....

[@stankygeorge]

a two hander, eh!

[@kengrantham4176]

You wish!

[@JiveDadson]

That's very kind of you. I am sure the guy appreciates it.

[@Gizmomaster]

Lasted for 600 years, handled without gloves for a couple of minutes. I'm sure it's fine.

[@h1zchan]

I wonder how it would handle. Have you got the stats on this sword eg total weight, center of balance, total length, blade length, hilt length, crossguard length, blade thickness and so on. Also the handle on this sword looks quite thin. Is that really the case or is it just that the blade being very wide makes the handle look thin in comparison? I had an idea that the handle was originally covered by additional layers such as leather wrappings which all decayed and disappeared by some point in the last 600 years.

[@napdragon94]

I wonder how many lives this blade has taken? 🧐

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

I'm thinking it was pretty much a ceremonial sword 🗡️

[@michaelangelo6870]

It doesn't look used

[@spiritof78]

Exactly none, it was a diplomatic gift. It was hung on a wall all of its life.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

it is not@@Austin8thGenTexan