Condottiero – 14th Century Italian Bastard Sword with Faceted Pommel and Scabbard, Sharp Blade

Condottiero – 14th Century Italian Bastard Sword with Faceted Pommel and Scabbard, Sharp Blade

Functionality and Usage

This sword is far more than a wall decoration, although it would look magnificent displayed. It is constructed as a fully functional sharp weapon. The blade is made of durable spring steel, hardened to approximately 49–53 HRC, ensuring the necessary flexibility and resilience against breakage. The edge is well-sharpened, making the sword ideal for cutting tests (tameshigiri) on appropriate materials such as soaked tatami mats. Thanks to the distinct distal taper (from 5.6 mm at the base to 2.5 mm near the tip), the blade is fast and agile in both the thrust and the cut. The wooden core hilt, wrapped in genuine leather with an ergonomic riser, ensures a firm and secure grip.

Historical Context

Typologically, this sword falls under the Type XVIIIa classification according to Oakeshott. These weapons dominated European battlefields in the 14th and early 15th centuries. It was a period when armour was becoming more perfect, and chainmail was increasingly being replaced by plate armour. This necessitated a change in sword design – blades tapered to a sharp point to penetrate gaps in armour, while retaining enough width for effective cuts against lighter-armoured opponents. The so-called "bastard" grip allowed for one-handed fighting (to hold reins or a shield) or, when needed, gripping the sword with both hands to deliver more powerful strikes. The faceted mushroom-shaped pommel and the curved crossguard are typical features of the Italian style of that era.

Technical Specifications

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the sword serves you for generations, it requires regular care. The blade is made of high-carbon steel, which is prone to corrosion. Wipe the blade with a dry cloth after every touch or use and apply a thin layer of preservative oil (e.g., gun oil or WD-40). The leather on the grip and scabbard should occasionally be treated with a leather conditioner to prevent cracking. Do not store the sword permanently in the scabbard, as leather can trap moisture and cause the blade to rust. Store it in a dry place.

Safety Warnings

This sword is sharp and can cause serious or fatal injuries if handled incorrectly. It is intended for adults only.

• Not suitable for contact sparring (HEMA, stage combat): The sharp edge would be damaged (notched) upon contact with another blade, and there is a risk of slicing through protective gear.
• Never strike hard objects (stone, concrete, thick wood) to avoid damaging the edge.
• Always ensure that no other person or animal is within range of the weapon when handling it.

We recommend you also purchase a sword stand for safe display or a steel maintenance kit to go with this sword.