What is a REAL MEDIEVAL KNIGHT'S SWORD like? Amazing Castillon Type B Arming Sword

[@SaganTheKhajiit]

We're a bunch of sword nerds nerding out to the adventures of a professional sword nerd, and this is beautiful.

[@emptyemptiness8372]

I am so here for the sword nerding......it's glorious

[@thedamnyankee1]

you may be cool, but you will never be as cool as Matt Easton dual wielding Castillon Type A and B swords while wearing a vest.

[@joecovino1907]

True 😂

[@willclem8810]

Peak ScholaGladiatoria

[@Theduckwebcomics]

No one who uses that awkward term will ever be cool 😅😅😅😅

[@MKnife]

I bought a Windlass made replica of that exact sword a couple of years ago here in Finland. I paid 199 euros for it, and I feel I got a fairly good deal. I think they must have had some degree of access to the original, as the measurements for the replica seem quite similar to what you describe. Of course mine only being just a replica, it is worthless from a historical perspective, but I can take it out in my back yard and swing at things just to get a feel for it (and have done so many times). So far without any dents or nicks even. And it looks beautiful hanging on my livingroom wall. Maybe mine will be sold at an auction 500 years from now as an original, who knows 🙂. As an added bonus, buying this made me read much about the battle too.

[@RobertFisher1969]

I'd love to see a video about the Castillon swords as a whole. Some info about the battle. What evidence (or lack thereof) that the swords are indeed from the river and that they may have been from the battle. How many of the different types are known and some info on some of the outliers.

[@Waggadudewagga]

These videos are absolutely stunning. Thank you for making them.

[@ariochiv]

For my money that's the prettiest sword in that famous lineup.

[@kilianortmann9979]

If only the quillons were a litte bit longer.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Good video. One thing that strikes me is that we divide swords into "this type, that type", but the people back then probably didn't. A man at arms back then would just go to a sword maker and say "make me one of these, but I'd like the blade a bit shorter and stiffer, oh, and with a pommel like those Italian ones".

[@BlackCat-tc2tv]

Yea it seems like it’s only in hindsight that we can classify groups of things that occurred over a long period of time into “this group” or “that group”. We historical fans love to subdivide and classify and in general this works but at the individual level it’s always fuzzy at the edges. I like the conversations it starts, like “what defines a rapier…..”😊

[@EmmettWaller]

One of my all-time favorite sword designs! Thank you for sharing

[@brendanlund6959]

Wow what an amazingly beautiful sword! Thanks for the awesome content!

[@hic_tus]

I know the guys of the auction are more than happy to advertise their coming up sale, but for the public this might be the only time these swords are available to see in detail, I really appreciate that!

[@JASPACB750RR]

Matt is one person who I would love to sit down and talk Medieval weaponry with. I could imagine a 10 hour conversation with Matt, Todd, and Toby would feel like 15 minutes.

[@bentrieschmann]

Thanks Matt! That is a gorgeous sword.

[@polymathart]

Usually I’m skeptical about short cross guard swords, but this one looks so good!

[@dogmaticpyrrhonist543]

I love how elegant that sword is. Balanced between so many use cases. Plus, I'm a sucker for a fishtail. But also the zero compromize of flattened diamond section

[@fableblades]

Absolutely loving this insight into such wonderful blades. Gold for any Swordmaker who can't get their hands on originals. 🙌😃🗡

[@cupcaketyrantdar2483]

Iconic! I'm so happy you got to handle this one!

[@repeat_defender]

Mate, if I had money, I would buy it for you. That's a special sword! I find it's proportions perfect, it's an absolutely gorgeous weapon.

[@danredding7901]

Amazing video. You are clearly really excited about this sword :)

[@SergeantSniper]

The Castillon! War of the Roses featured this as the player's first one-handed sword I believe.

[@maestre97]

Great game, indeed

Absolutely understand why this sword is your favorite. Its so sleek and beautiful, I absolutely love it

[@aarsandijvie]

I would very much like a replica of this sword. Awesome presentation and thank you for the metrics.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

Regarding the hilt length, consider what Pietro Monte wrote: "It is advantageous to have a long hilt on a sword, since it makes the forward part of the sword lighter. Many people err in this matter, having a heavy pommel, and imagining that this makes the sword lighter. But actually the blade will be affected more if we lengthen the tang by one finger than if we add a pound of weight to the pommel. This can be demonstrated in scales, where a small distance makes a large difference. "There are also other reasons why it is good to have a long grip on a sword or estoc. Even if a sword is short, during a long fight we may need to take it with both hands and direct the point at the opponent, doing short blows to ward him off while we relieve our arm. But as soon as we want to come into distance, we should let go with one hand, and so we can take the opponent uncovered. Also, if the opponent is somewhat tired, and we have a strong sword, striking on his sword with both hands can send his sword to the ground. This is useful with the estoc when we are on horseback, in which case we should hold the reins long, and deflect the opponent’s impetus, and then take up our estoc or heavy sword with both hands, and deliver three or four swift blows to his estoc or to some other uncovered part." It seems like there was a gray area between what we think of arming swords & longswords. The Anonimo Bolognese also has techniques that involve temporarily taking a primarily one-handed sword in both hands. So some swords may have been mostly intended for single-handed use but with a longer hilt to facilitate using both hands in certain actions & times of need.

[@boydgrandy5769]

Sounds a bit like the technology involved in swing weighting a gold club. Adding a few grams to the club head to improve MOI can be offset by adding mass to the end of the grip, reducing the swing weight of the head (moving the center of balance of the club towards the grip/handle).

[@gonzalotrasancos]

that sword is gorgeous, one of the most beautiful I've seen

[@mikebockey4125]

wonderful presentation today, matt. thank you, sir. to arms! to arms!

[@jackgrimble9418]

I asked a question before I realized the answer is in the video. So have my comment and my Like good sir. Great video.

[@Leftyotism]

Such a great design! :O Much appreciated! 🥰

[@edwardteach3080]

It’s an amazing sword. Thankyou for sharing with us!

[@kevinmccarley7121]

Very interesting deep dive. I wish you could do a similar video for each of the swords in this auction, OA has a great group of swords in this auction! I keep pausing to look at the swords on the wall behind you! 🙂 Thanks!

[@john-draftanimal]

Must be amazing for you to meet such a sword that you have followed. As with boats and planes and cars, if it looks fast, it is fast. I think similar with these and I enjoyed seeing them. Thanks.

[@cs4870]

I very much hope those measurements make it over to Tod’s workshop and that he finds some time to recreate that beautiful sword!

[@henninghesse9910]

Are there any metallurgical research on these group of swords? Would be interesting to see if the hilts and the swords have the same alloies or maybe something in it that shouldn’t be in a 15th sword.

[@rustknuckleirongut8107]

There is a lot of proper evidence missing from this group of swords. For me this group of swords is the perfect of example of wanting something to be something winning over actual evidence of what they are. Everything about these swords hinges on "someone said something" rather than proper evidence like a chain of custody from the place they were found or even any examination of the place they were found as that has been withheld for some reason. Best case they are stolen from land where the finder had no rights to be searching, worst case and the one I favor is that they are fairly modern and nefarious in origin.

[@gews6114]

@@rustknuckleirongut8107 I could be wrong, but it seems incredible to me that someone back before these swords were found in the 1970s, would have been able to forge and age 80 or so fake medieval swords and do such a good job that they have fooled countless experts the world over for over 50 years. If possible it would be very difficult and require much specialized knowledge, particularly at that time, for not all that much payoff compared to other antiquities one could more easily fake. Their provenance is unverifiable, but I do believe they are genuine medieval swords.

[@rustknuckleirongut8107]

@@gews6114 There existed countless more expert blacksmiths capable of this before 1960. Blacksmithing and blade making are fields where we have lost volume of competency in a massive way in the last 70 years. Sure there are still people who can do quality work, but in numbers there are orders of magnitude less people that can do quality work today. You speak as if there is some lost black magic needed to forge a medieval sword when it would have been much easier to find someone to make them back then. Truth is the swords are not even that special construction-vise. They are fairly simple swords. The damage on the swords is also suspicions where mostly corrosion had eaten extremely little of the swords then some are missing angular chucks where supposedly corrosion has eaten 2 centimeters into blade stock from the edge, but hardly touched the rest of the blade.

[@gews6114]

@@rustknuckleirongut8107 actually my point was that there is significantly more information available now on medieval sword construction, even a layperson could Google countless examples, photos and articles for laypeople or the scientific community with statistics on weight, shape, and distal taper, but in 1970 to collect this information would require physical access to the artifacts in museums or private collections, therefore it would be harder to pull off convincing recreations back in the day, nowadays forgers can even read comments online pointing errors to correct their next works. As for corrosion biting chunks I've seen similar chunks missing on various old artifacts pulled from rivers, ie Dane Axe with hole eaten in the middle, old spearheads looks like someone was nibbling them. If they haven't been materially tested, it's technically possible someone faked these swords but it certainly seems unlikely to me.

[@henninghesse9910]

@gews6114 So maybe we should ask the question who was informed about this find from early on and had good access to originals and may even have put false Information out in his publications about originals in order to keep the competitors away?

[@myleft9397]

keep reviewing these and send the measurements to swordmakers!

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

Very much appreciated. 👍

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

A definite pleasure Matt

[@jaydcs6298]

To those in the US who have a real interest in Antique swords from all times and parts of the world, find a local gun show. Especially one that specializes in "antique" militaria. Swords from any country you could think of at varying prices. Plus, just as you will invariably learn which dealers are to be avoided, you will also find more than a few with a rea passion for this stuff and will freely share knowledge to beginners.

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

The proportions/ weight seems perfect to me.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I have a theory that knob ends on guards may air the sword biting into a target this aid in cutting... Hear me out. Mass away from the center of rotation on an object causes spinning become more difficult to start or it can slow an already rotating object. Think an ice skater spinning; arms out slow spin but when they bring their arms close to their body they spin faster. When cutting with a straight blade the less mass away from the center line (or axis of potential rotation) the easier a blade can turn in the hand if the edge alignment is slightly off. But adding mass away from the center line means that it's harder for the blade to rotate/twist in such a case. Adding knobs to the end of a guard adds mass away from the center line. On longswords the guard can be used to attack & we do see longswords with sharpened guards. A knob certainly makes stabbing or striking with the guard less effective so why add them? Certainly aesthetics could be a reason, but in practical terms I feel it's to add mass away from the center line to help prevent the blade twisting. Curved blades don't spin as easily as straight ones because the curve already moves mass off the center line.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video ⚔️

[@sneakyviewing4391]

Matt this sword is cool as hell! I'm a Medieval Archaeologist however I'm from USA and I do structural not so much battlefield archaeology, that being said I was happy to hear you say this could possibly be French or German. It's unethical to analyze anything outside of laboratory circumstances, but my first thought was French then I just felt wrong for thinking that so I thought okay maybe German. It's a shame we don't get to have an idea who this sword's original owner was. I can't help but wonder was it a very large man or was the owner just ferocious beast at half sword? Either way so cool.

[@dvereckis]

I would love to see episodes displaying the arms and Armour carried by historic figures. Specifically one individual could be my ancestor Sir James Douglas I believe he carried an Oakeshott Type XIIIb at one point. It would be interesting (to me anyway) to understand if his success was do to equipment choices, skill, or a combination.

[@DETHMOKIL]

one of my favorite swords!

[@mikef.1000]

I like your good blend of analysis and opinion on these swords, Matt. Thank you! I would have been interested to know what you think of the reconstructed grip; do you think it is faithful to the period? Has it been well executed? If you were to buy the sword, would you remove it and take the sword more back to its 'as found' state? I'm certainly no sword expert, but to explain the variation between the swords of the different groups, I'd be inclined to think that different men of different heights, strengths, preferences etc. would have gone for different lengths, weightings and styles of swords. It was, after all, a market -- and like all markets, you make what people want, not what you think they want. And I can just imagine the soldiers sitting around the campfire comparing swords... "Hey Bill, how come you've gone for that short fat bladed thing?" "Well I'm a close-quarters battle man, myself and --" "Oh bollox Bill, you just couldn't afford something with more steel in it!" etc. etc.

[@lorddestructive]

after weapon jesus making videos about forgotten weapons and visiting auction houses now we have... sword jesus? hey guys thanks for tuning in for another video of forgotten we.. uhm swords, my name is Ia... uhm... Matt Easton were here today at Rock Is... uhm Olympia auctions and today we are looking at a MG... uhm... medieval arming sword. Love your content, love the videos like this one

[@Akiralisk]

That's pretty interesting as it kind of goes along with the way I would expect it to be. As long as the blade exceeds a certain lengths it becomes better to balance it not with a one heavy wheel-pommel but rather a longer balancing part that is longer and easier to play around with. I believe it's length is not for the second hand to be used upon it but rather for the maneuverability. Not sure if for duels purposes or horse/feet application. Personally I think this one would make a much better dueling sword compared to a wheel-pommeled one in sword vs sword scenario. Definitely, a shield of some sort would turn the tables another way round.

[@josephmartin1540]

Fascinating!

[@peterdickens2832]

Really like these videos and the waist coat

[@Yandarval]

The longer hilt would allow for bigger arrmoured guauntlets to be used, rather than the type A sword hilt. So the possibility of type A being for more lightly armed infantry. With type B being more for heavily armoured men at arms.

[@edi9892]

It reminds me of a complex hilted sword made in Austria: fishtail pommel and similar blade, but with side rings and a knuckle guard.

[@althesmith]

One of the issues as a maker is that steel bar thickness available for a suitable sword steel, unless you primarilly use spring steel (5160, 6150 et al) , tends to max out at one quarter inch or about 6 mm. And even if you start off with 8mm or roughly 3/8" thick, you have to be very careful in grinding, especially if you forge first, not to lose a lot of that thickness.

[@aarsandijvie]

With a surface grinder you can easily remove material within very precise tolerances.

[@althesmith]

@@aarsandijvie Removal isn't the issue. It's finding thicker stock.

[@murellsawyer103]

These are absolutely gorgeous. However I've been very hard pressed to find an accurate replica of one of these!

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

Both of these swords are right on the boundary between type XV and XVIII - the edges are slightly curved, and while that's clear from some angles, from others the curvature is barely perceptible. The Albion Castillion looks very similar to this sword, especially in the hilt, though the blade is a few cm shorter and has straight edges making it unequivocally type XV. I'd be happy to see a reproduction of either, or better yet both, of these swords.

[@althesmith]

Only 48? Youngster. I'm 63 and started Iaido last year...

[@Steve_Coates]

Wonderful candidates for Windlass Royal Armouries line.

[@panncakejimmy]

Looks like a Polish Koncerz on the Wall behind you next to the early schiavona a video on one of those would be cool, a litle known abaout sword that seams quite intresting kind of a Estoc lance hybrid.

[@brandonabbott9817]

I keep messing up making pommel like that, mostly because I keep trying to make them hollow without the proper tooling to do so. That is such a handsome grip and pommel arrangement.

[@oskar6661]

Silly question, and I'll assume it's been answered before: how often were swords re-handled? I mean, removed and provided with a new guard/pommel/grip, etc. Have you ever found unique examples which convinced you that someone re-handled a sword and changed its purpose or balance, etc?

[@edi9892]

I can only remember him mention it once with an old blade being married to a complex hilt. AFAIK, the Japanese rehilted old swords very often and often shortened and reground them. Occasionally, a naginata may transition to a sword or vice versa. Speaking of European swords, halfswording is likely to result in broken grips rather sooner than later. Leather or wrapping is probably replaced after a campaign due to wear, blood soaked in, or damage due to exposure to the elements.

[@lafoifr6853]

Magnificent ; gratitude.

[@lostpony4885]

Congrats!

[@thrusteavis]

look straight out of dark souls, coolest sword I've ever seen

[@CDKohmy]

Def one of my faves

[@zurcarak]

8:56 and 9:10 my favorite shots

[@Jtbrahh]

Would love to see this sword faithfully recreated with someone like Windlass x Royal Armouries or LK Chen

[@FiliiMartis]

Beautiful video! Thank you for sharing the stats. Is there a chance that group B is intended to be used from atop horses, while group A is for on foot? Cavalry swords do tend to have a larger PoB, and the grip allows for a more hand-shake grip and a point forward use. But it may also be that they just have longer grips to improve armoured fighting, since the blade is so thick. In which case, group B is for the use of armoured troops against other armour troops (teardrop pommel that is part of group B would indicate this), while group A is to be used by everyone else as a sidearm piece (and the blades are thick since, like Matt said, everyone was wearing some type of armour). I'm just speculating here. Between the teardrop, fishtail, and wheel pommels, these are three of my favoured medieval swords. Shame that we can't have them in HEMA (since the rigid blade is part of the charm; obviously, that's not safe for HEMA). But as reproductions, these would be great. 👍

[@BonesyTucson]

He's right - like an original 1911 pistol it is a thing of perfect form and function.

[@Patched_Jack]

you should show us that one fourth from the left with the massive upsweep in the hilt next.

[@OTTB]

This sword seems like it would be fantastic to use mounted.

[@DGFTardin]

Matt, you don't look like you're almost 50, congrats

[@user-tv4lz5ie5u]

That gentleman you can see over there is a truly wise man. He's wise not because of his knowledge of the subject matter or his smarts, but because of the excitement you can notice in his cheerful voice and that spark of pure joy in his eyes. See: he's devoted his life to his actual passion and he's making a living out of it. That's wisdom. We should take note.

[@thenovideoman5886]

the man's 48. it's true- swordsmanship slows the aging process. Kenshin was just a cartoon, but it was right.

[@AvaPrevattes]

Thank you for your dedication and passion for content creation. Your videos are always inspiring!🥪🌙🌏

[@ramibairi5562]

Off topic and a REQUEST: Matt would you please review Indian Mutiny cavalry officer's swords that were shown a couple of years ago in one of your unboxing videos. Thanks in advance

[@1799to1815]

I hope you get your own Castilion someday.

[@JForrestFisher--76]

That meaty and long pommel and the taper of the blade is surely a big part of it being so nimble.

[@MarroktheWarrior]

I have a dream of having a falchion with one of these hilts. Maybe some day...😊

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

That pommel is definitely chunkier than I would have guessed.

[@AcoraZ3RO]

Matt, do you have any experience with the Albion Castillon? I've been in love with the design since I first saw it, and would love to pick one up.

[@chrish1585]

Would very much like to hear about XRF and possibly Rockwell testing. Ok, maybe not the Rockwell but the XRF is totally non-destructive...

[@FoardenotFord]

Beautiful sword-interesting note about the type XV vs type XVIII; I’ve always thought the Castillon swords were the former, but I suppose they’re closer to the latter?

[@mathewmackillop3490]

Any chance of you collaborating with Windlass to reproduce this fine piece?

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

The type B sword with the reverse pommel should be considered a type AB, as reversing the pommel shortens the grip length, and how it handles.

[@TheFlyguywill]

I love the castillon swords. How much would this original fetch at auction?

[@PenitentVigilante]

This is what I picture when I think about the Twelve Swords of Power from the Book of Swords series by Fred Saberhagen

[@bubbagump2341]

I think the sword in this video may well be what in French was referred to as an epee de passot!

[@beelzebub5286]

Some poor guy in the 15. century was probably fired because he dropped the crate of swords into the river he was transporting them on

[@Nightmare704RY]

0:38 looking sharp at your age.

[@simonmoorcroft1417]

Whilst all swords are 'awkward' to carry on the hip that 36" blade gives me the impression that it may a little cumbersome to hang from the waist. It's just a theory but could it be a 'saddle sword' rather than an 'arming sword' much like the 'horse pistols' carried in later eras. Thus it could be used from horseback and drawn and carried on foot when dismounted as type of weapon between an arming sword and longsword with the long blade and hand-and-a-half grip forming a 'hybrid' sword. I even wonder if this weapon was carried alongside a more typical 'everyday' arming sword.

[@FrancisFjordCupola]

Doubt any of us would look as good at almost 600 years of age.

[@markhill3858]

LOL I always thought he was pronounced EEE-WART oakshot! one of those things where you read a word youve never heard :)

[@dianastasny9338]

Can you showcase that koncerz in the background to your right (with the Hungarian style hilt)?

[@awlach8]

I just checked the auction: current bidding is up to +$20,000. Wow

[@SwordScience]

Honestly still a bargain. They so rarely come up for sale and these are in impeccable condition.

[@Eric-ux2ji]

You should have bought it!

[@markhill3858]

that brown scabbarded one on the left wall, with the big U handguard .. gee that looks like prince valliants "singing sword" from the old comics :) has it been in circulation long? an oft seen type? inspired the artist .. tho its probably not from the time of king arthur I imagine those should actually look celtic or roman really :) then again prince val sailed to the americas where the locals looked like horse-culture plains indians from the 1850s! improbable :)

[@sneakyviewing4391]

Somebody please buy this sword and gift it to Matt.

[@gorbalsboy]

Such a small cross guard, perhaps supports your cavalry theory🤔😊

[@electrominded8372]

Makes me regret selling my Valiant Armoury Bristol Signature Sword.

[@maclectic]

My Albion Mercenary looks almost exactly like this sword

[@lathanchurch8352]

I really hope you are able to aquire one of those swords yourself, or maybe some generous person helps you aquire one

[@Ichithix]

I would never have guessed how chunky that pommel actually is. Is there anybody out there 3D scanning historical swords, seems like the kind of reference that would incredibly useful for modern reproductions. Or maybe I'm overthinking it?

[@ArmsandArmor]

are the group B guards cast or hammer forged?

[@arthurchabot1847]

Is castillon type accurate for the mate 14 century ?