Arbedo Sword

In Arbedo on June 22, 1422 A.D. the famous Milanese cavalry commander Carmagnola, along with Angelo de la Pergola, 6,000 horsemen and 4,000 footmen, attacked an army of 4,000 Swiss pikemen and halberdiers. This was his first encounter with the Swiss, and his cavalry was stopped cold by the Swiss pikes and lost a large number of horses and men. He dismounted with his horsemen, and attacked again along with his footmen. Hard pressed by the superior number of Milanese troops, one Swiss group unsuccessfully tried to surrender. As the battle raged on, a group of Swiss foragers wandered near the scene. Both Carmagnola and de la Pergola thought the foragers were another army and pulled back, allowing the Swiss to retire in good order. This bloody, rather inconclusive battle left a large percentage of Swiss dead, although Carmagnola’s army actually lost more men. We’ve named this beautiful type XVIIIa war sword after that battle at Arbedo, where either side would have carried it. This is very effective cutting weapon that also has a sharp, deadly point. The 6" grip allows for one or two hand use. High carbon steel blade. Steel guard and pommel. Grip is wood, wrapped with cord and then covered with leather. Wide tang construction. A leather scabbard is included. This functional sword is made by Windlass Steelcrafts^®.