Edward III longsword
Edward III was the sixth British monarch of the Plataganet dynasty, ruling from 1327 to 1377. Edward was one of England's true warrior kings, almost constantly fighting either along the borders with the Scots or in France( the first 50 years of the 100 Years' War were all Eddie). Some of Edward's most noteworthy victories include the Battle of Sluys, Crecy and Poitiers. In 1348, Edward instituted The Most Noble Order of the Garter; a group of knights intended to emulate Arthur's Knights of the Round Table.
The original Edward III sword has been dated between 1348 and 1350. This sword has been a focus of controversy for years. In fact, for many years it was believed to be a fake. It was only through an exhaustive scientific examination conducted in 1983, that the sword's provenance as an original piece belonging to Edward III was established. It is unknown if the original sword was ever used in battle; however, according to Oakeshott, it was admirably capable of serving as a battle weapon. It is light and well balanced. X-ray photographs also show that the sword has a substantial tang. There are also wear patterns on the grip that suggest that the sword just might have served in hand at some time during its life. The original bears a maker's mark; a portcullis (a Plantaganet badge) and the badge of the Order of the Garter stamped on each side with the motto of the Order: "Shame upon him who thinks evil upon it." The original also still has it's original adder skin grip. The grip is gold plated iron. The pommel bears the coats of arms of England and France quartered in enamel.
length: 42 3/8"
Discontinued and sold out
blade: 33 3/4"
blade width: 2 7/16" at base
grip and pommel: 8 1/8"
guard: 8"
balance point: 6 3/4" from guard
weight (sword): 3 lb 3.0 oz
weight (sword & scabbard): 4 lb 13.0 oz