Product description
The Black Prince was truly his father’s son. The son of King Edward III, one of the greatest warrior kings of England, the Prince of Wales was perhaps the most romantic figure of the Middle Ages. At just 16 years old, Edward of Woodstock commanded a wing of the army and distinguished himself at the Battle of Crécy, where he defeated a numerically superior French force. He held full command at the Battle of Poitiers, where he repeated his David and Goliath act. An illness took his life before he could wear the crown, but he left a legacy of heroism that few have equaled. His English contemporaries regarded him as one of the greatest knights of his time and a model of chivalry.
His sword was hung over his tomb, and it was reported to have been stolen by Oliver Cromwell. A sword identical to the weapon carved on his effigy appeared in the 20th century and was obtained by Ewart Oakeshott. Mr. Oakeshott carefully studied the sword, its patina, construction, and maker’s mark, and was convinced that this was the sword of the Black Prince.
This sword was developed during a period when swordsmiths were working hard to create a more powerful sword that was effective against the emerging plate armor. This is a highly effective example of a thrusting sword with some cutting capability. The sword features a diamond cross-section and is stiff enough to deliver a powerful two-handed thrust through plate armor.
The 1065 high carbon steel blade has straight quillons with a slight downward curve and a leather-wrapped grip. The disc pommel has a chamfer that transitions into a smaller disc inlaid with a design of a four-leaf clover.
