Windlass Authentic 14th Century Hand-and-a-Half Sword – Oakeshott Type XVIa

If you’ve ever wanted to own a real piece of medieval history, this Hand-and-a-Half 14th-century sword is the one to go for. It's based on an original sword housed in the Royal Armouries, once kept in the Arsenal of Alexandria and believed to have been given as war booty or tribute to the Sultanate of Egypt. The blade still bears Arabic inscriptions, a rare detail faithfully reproduced in this replica. It includes authenticity papers and comparison photos showing just how accurate it is to the original.

Hand-and-a-half swords got their name from their versatile handle length—usable with one or two hands depending on the need. This model from the late 14th century features a broader blade that grew in size during this period to counter the rise of plate armor. It's classified as an Oakeshott Type XVIa, designed for both cutting and thrusting power.

The blade is forged from 1075 high-carbon steel and comes unsharpened, though it includes beveled edges for realism. A fuller runs through the center to reduce weight, and the Arabic inscription near the guard has been carefully recreated.

The handle features a rounded pommel, historically used for striking, and a straight, functional crossguard. The grip is wood wrapped in leather, with subtle finger notches to mark hand positioning in two-handed use.

This sword style was used in both combat and training, from England to Italy, and appears in manuals like Fior di Battaglia by Fiore dei Liberi. It’s perfect for historical study, accurate training, or owning a detailed and authentic piece of medieval craftsmanship.