Early medieval Iron Crusader - Sword - 110 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 4,000 - € 4,500
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Description from the seller
NO SENDING OUT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Rare Crusader sword - blade
likely 13th-14th century
It is enormous, 110 cm in length. The blade is 93 cm long and 4.3 cm wide.
The guard is very wide at 27.5 cm, which clearly gives the sword the shape of a Christian cross.
In terms of classification, it is a typical Oakeshot XIIa of the 13th/14th century.
What is special about the sword are its inlays of gold-colored metal (likely gold).
It shows no corrosion damage.
On the blade there are three crosses, as well as two on the pommel.
As well as an inlay with the inscription typical for the Crusaders:
- IN HOC SiGNO ViNCES -
also : = In this sign you will win =
Apart from the fact that this inscription clearly dates the sword to the Crusader era of the 13th/14th century,
it makes the sword a very special, unique, historical object.
The condition of the sword is museal.
The blade is uniformly coated with an oxide layer, which could be removed.
There are no signs of combat.
This, together with the golden
= IN HOC SIGNO VINCES =
creates a rounded impression.
This sword is likely a ceremonial sword,
in front of which the knights swore in a battle to the commander and the bishops
= in the name of God =
Since there is no material test available, I date the sword from the 13th century up to possibly the period of Historicism.
This has been considered in the price.
The sword comes from an estate; the deceased owner had it auctioned at a public auction in Poland and had it for decades.
I legally acquired the sword in 2026 from the current owner in Germany.
The owner guarantees that he has the right to sell the item.
I have partly overexposed the photos to better discern the details.
No delivery outside the EU.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
NO SENDING OUT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Rare Crusader sword - blade
likely 13th-14th century
It is enormous, 110 cm in length. The blade is 93 cm long and 4.3 cm wide.
The guard is very wide at 27.5 cm, which clearly gives the sword the shape of a Christian cross.
In terms of classification, it is a typical Oakeshot XIIa of the 13th/14th century.
What is special about the sword are its inlays of gold-colored metal (likely gold).
It shows no corrosion damage.
On the blade there are three crosses, as well as two on the pommel.
As well as an inlay with the inscription typical for the Crusaders:
- IN HOC SiGNO ViNCES -
also : = In this sign you will win =
Apart from the fact that this inscription clearly dates the sword to the Crusader era of the 13th/14th century,
it makes the sword a very special, unique, historical object.
The condition of the sword is museal.
The blade is uniformly coated with an oxide layer, which could be removed.
There are no signs of combat.
This, together with the golden
= IN HOC SIGNO VINCES =
creates a rounded impression.
This sword is likely a ceremonial sword,
in front of which the knights swore in a battle to the commander and the bishops
= in the name of God =
Since there is no material test available, I date the sword from the 13th century up to possibly the period of Historicism.
This has been considered in the price.
The sword comes from an estate; the deceased owner had it auctioned at a public auction in Poland and had it for decades.
I legally acquired the sword in 2026 from the current owner in Germany.
The owner guarantees that he has the right to sell the item.
I have partly overexposed the photos to better discern the details.
No delivery outside the EU.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Early medieval
Century/timeframe
13.Jhd. - 14. Jhd.
Name of object
Crusader - Sword
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Iron
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
110 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2016
Width
4.3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
Depth
2 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
