Edward III Sword

Edward III of England was a warrior king who is remembered in history for his dramatic victory against the French at Crecy (1346) and his sword, far from being a purely ceremonial piece, was made to be wielded in battle. The sword has survived the centuries in remarkably good condition and we have been able to replicate it in great detail. The style is typical of a 14th century battle sword but the fittings are undoubtedly those of a king, from the heavy gilding to the adder-skin grip to the beautifully enamelled coat of arms, the latter illustrating Edward's claim to French territories by combining the Lion of England with the Fleur-de-lys of France. This functional sword is well balanced and may be wielded single-handed or hand-and-a-half style and would (and perhaps did!) give an excellent accounting of itself in the field of battle. The flattened diamond-section blade bears the emblem of the Order of the Garter, Badge of the Knights of St. George, founded by Edward. The significance of the portcullis mark has been lost in time.