14th Century Hand-and-a-Half Sword Count Rainus

14th Century Late Gothic Hand-and-a-Half Sword Count Rainus

Historical Context and Oakeshott Typology Type XIIIa / XIIa

The historical template for this hand-and-a-half bastard sword is based on surviving museum finds dating from 1300 to 1400 (14th century), the High and Late Middle Ages. According to the recognized Oakeshott typology, the blade corresponds to Type XIIIa or XIIa with its characteristic fuller for weight distribution, paired with a Type I wheel pommel and a Type 12 crossguard with hooked terminals that effectively trapped opposing blades during parries.

In the 14th century, the bastard sword served as a versatile weapon for knights and heavy infantry. It allowed fast one-handed control paired with a shield as well as powerful two-handed strikes and thrusts in close-quarters combat. Its main purpose was penetrating gambesons and exploiting gaps in developing plate armor. Rated as Class B according to fencing weapon classification, this sparring version features blunted 2–3 mm (approx. 0.07–0.11 in) edges and a rounded safety tip suitable for contact historical fencing.

Instructions for Use and Practical Fencing Safety

To ensure long service life and safety for yourself and your opponent, observe these guidelines:

• Pre-Combat Inspection: Inspect the blade before every bout. Immediately file down any sharp burrs or nicks using a diamond file or fine sandpaper.
• Fencing Technique: Execute strikes with proper martial technique rather than excessive brute force. Parry incoming strikes primarily with the flat of the blade rather than edge-to-edge to avoid deep burrs.
• Hilt Maintenance: Heavy impacts may eventually cause the crossguard to loosen. Re-peening the pommel will tighten the assembly. As a temporary field fix, wrapping heavy fishing line into the gap between the guard and grip effectively removes play.
• Product Intent & Warranty: This item is sporting equipment intended for historical fencing sparring. Edge burrs and nicks represent natural wear and tear. All practice is conducted at your own risk.

Technical Specifications

Care and Safety Instructions

The carbon spring steel blade is not rustproof and requires regular care:

• Corrosion Protection: Wipe the blade dry after every fencing session or handling with bare skin, then apply a coat of protective gun oil (e.g., Ballistol).
• Storage: Store the sword in a dry location out of reach of children. Do not store long-term inside a damp leather scabbard.
• Safety Gear: Always wear certified protective equipment during sparring – fencing mask, padded gambeson, heavy leather gauntlets, and joint protectors.
• Directions for the Use of Bladed Weapons from Outfit4Events

Recommended Accessories

We recommend pairing this High Gothic arming sword with a matching 14th-century leather-covered wooden scabbard with belt suspension, leather fencing gauntlets, a padded gambeson, and a steel buckler shield. These accessories are historically compatible with 14th-century knightly equipment.