Sword from the latter half of the 14th century

This sword (Wallace Collection inv.# A.460) has several remarkable features, of which the most important are the following: the grip is thought to be a 19^th (?) century replacement, the cross and pommel have a curious blue-black finish which could be a combination of blueing and varnish. The sword appears to have been cleaned in a rather severe way. The blade shows a number of shallow scratches on one side, but according to David Edge, those could be the result of the sword resting in river mud together with reeds (which have provided enough oxygen for corrosion to take place). The blade has been ground down during its working life, and was probably somewhat longer and wider when it was new. There are two maker’s marks on the blade, in the form of the small copper crosses (6 mm/0.25”) inlaid in the steel, one on each side, 165 (6.5”) and 175 mm (7”) from the base of the blade, respectively. It is in good shape and handles quite well, and is very tight and nice. It felt like a good thrusting weapon when I handled it. The flattened-diamond cross-section of the blade tells about it being intended for penetration of the tougher armour that was developed in the 14^th century.

Maker's mark

Close-up of the hilt

Oakeshott classification:
Blade type: XV (originally XVIII?)
Pommel type: K (recessed)
Cross-style: 7

Dimensions:
Length: 949 mm (37.4”)
Blade length: 762 mm (30”)
Blade width: 60 mm at the base (2.35”)
Blade thickness at the base: 6,2 mm (0.24”); 2,4 mm (0.1”) 100 mm (4”) from the point
Pommel diametre: 57 mm (2.25”), thickness 31 mm (1.2”)
Width of cross: 218 mm (8.6”)
Point of balance: 65 mm (2.5”) from the cross
Location of primary node: c. 444 mm (17.5”) from the cross
Weight: 1360 grams (3 lbs)

Bibliography:

James G. Mann & A.V.B. Norman: European Arms and Armour in the Wallace Collection, p. 242 (vol. 1), p. 114 (vol. 2)
Ewart Oakeshott: Records of the Medieval Sword, p. 133