Ribaldo Early Sidesword – Oakeshotte Type XIX – 14th-15th c.

£400.00

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Dating roughly from between 1350 and 1450, this is one of over 170 bearing inscriptions from the Arsenal of Alexandria in Egypt. The original was sold by Sotheby’s in 1979.  This sword is very similar to the one in the Royal Armory collection and likely forged by the same sword maker sometime before 1432.

The typology of this sword is Oakeshott XIX which was popular during the 15th century. The complex blade features a ricasso and a flat hexagonal blade that changes to lenticular shape at the tip. This geometry results in a capable cut and thrust sword.

The sword has a very early example of a guard for the forefinger, which was an early step in a series of developments that would lead into increasingly complex hilts of the 16th century and beyond. By looping the forefinger over the unsharpened ricasso, a user would be better able to align the edge when cutting and also gain a more refined control of the tip. Having the finger in front of the cross-guard would leave it vulnerable on a simple cross-hilted sword, hence the development of the protective hook.

 

Sharp Blades

British Law requires that purchasers of sharp bladed products provide proof of age in the form of:

  • a passport, or
  • a photocard driving licence.

We use the Parcelforce Challenge 25 Age Check service which will require customers purchasing sharp items within the UK to show a form of photo ID upon delivery of their items if they are not obviously above the minimum age.

Please make sure you are available to show your ID upon delivery of sharp item/s.

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Ribaldo Early Sidesword - Oakeshotte Type XIX - 14th-15th c.

Dating roughly from between 1350 and 1450, this is one of over 170 bearing inscriptions from the Arsenal of Alexandria in Egypt. The original was sold by Sotheby’s in 1979.  This sword is very similar to the one in the Royal Armory collection and likely forged by the same sword maker sometime before 1432.

The typology of this sword is Oakeshott XIX which was popular during the 15th century. The complex blade features a ricasso and a flat hexagonal blade that changes to lenticular shape at the tip. This geometry results in a capable cut and thrust sword.

The sword has a very early example of a guard for the forefinger, which was an early step in a series of developments that would lead into increasingly complex hilts of the 16th century and beyond. By looping the forefinger over the unsharpened ricasso, a user would be better able to align the edge when cutting and also gain a more refined control of the tip. Having the finger in front of the cross-guard would leave it vulnerable on a simple cross-hilted sword, hence the development of the protective hook.

 

Ribaldo Belt Pouch - Premium Range

Our Ribaldo set of accessories are entirely handmade by UK craftsmen with decades of experience. The hand shaped lines and tiny imperfections are what catches the eye, sharply contrasting against machine perfect factory made replicas.

We do not use electroplating. The silver or gold is brushed on thickly and then polished to a high shine. All fittings are cast here in the UK and attached to leather tooled and stitched in the same region.

Please note that each piece is made by hand, and there may be cosmetic differences or variations in the finished product. These are not mass produced items.

If you have specific requests, get in touch at info@tempus-fugitives.co.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you!

Description

Period: 14th-15th c.

Type: Oakeshott Type XIX

  • Overall Length: 110 cm
  • Blade Length: 93.5 cm (ca. 37”)
  • Grip Length: 10.5 cm
  • Center of Percussion: 62 cm (from guard)
  • Point of Balance: 20 cm (from guard)


If you want to purchase this item outside of the UK – please contact us beforehand with your full address to calculate this. It is up to the seller to ensure that this item can be delivered in their home country.

PLEASE NOTE: This item is age restricted. In accordance with the Offensive Weapons Act, the delivery driver will require you to show ID (passport or driving licence), unless the person receiving the delivery looks clearly over 25.

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