The Baron

(Type XIIa)

When seeing original swords of war from the 13th and 14th C., one is always impressed by their powerful presence. A massive size combines with harmonic proportions, lending them a majestic grace. This visual impact follows through in their handling: a strong authority combined with a smooth control of edge and point. Two major types of these battlefield weapons are classified as Oakeshott type XIIa ad XIIIa. They generally have a blade length of 85-95 cm, when in hand and a half size. Their grips give ample room for two hands. Despite being rather massive they have such a balance that they could be wielded in one hand, although two-handed use was probably preferred. Those weapons classified by modern students of arms as Oakeshott type XIIa are recognized by being wide at the base and tapering to a well defined point. Our Baron Type XIIa has a blade shaped to allow certain stiffness for the thrust while being primarily dedicated to slashing and cleaving. The powerful mass of this sword is well managed by a careful distribution of mass together with a long grip and results in very good handling characteristics. This is a sword for the battlefield but can be used in the fencing techniques of Liechtenauer, although the wide and acutely sharp blade does not lend itself too well for half-swording. With these swords we wanted to make available classic examples of knightly battlefield weapons of the late 13th and early 14th centuries. As on all swords in this line they are based on documentation of and impressions from several original swords. Special care has been taken so that their blades have the same careful distribution of weight and crisp definition as can be observed in the most well preserved originals.

Specifications
Overall length: 47.375″ (120 cm)
Blade length: 37.25″ (95 cm)
Blade width at base: 2.3125″ (5.8 cm)
CoG: 5.25″ (13.2 cm)
CoP: 22.125″ (56 cm)
Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz (1.8 kilos)
This sword is offered in a limited edition of 1000 swords worldwide.