15th Century Falchion

From the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of Tudor England, the 15th Century Falchion represents a fascinating chapter in English military history. Based on an original sword preserved in the Royal Armouries collection, this reproduction by Windlass Steelcrafts captures the distinctive character of a late medieval infantry sidearm. With its broad cutting blade, carefully shaped point, and practical proportions, it offers collectors and medieval enthusiasts an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of a weapon associated with one of England's most turbulent periods.

The English Falchion and the Wars of the Roses

During the 15th century, English armies relied heavily on archers and infantry armed with bills, polearms, and other battlefield weapons. Short swords, often described as hangers or falchions, provided a convenient secondary weapon when fighting moved into close quarters. Their single-edged blades offered effective cutting capability while remaining compact enough to carry alongside a soldier's primary equipment.

The Wars of the Roses, fought between rival branches of the English royal family from 1455 to 1487, saw some of the bloodiest battles ever fought on English soil. At Towton, Barnet, Tewkesbury, and Bosworth, infantrymen fought in brutal close combat where a dependable sidearm could prove invaluable. Swords of this general type belonged to the military world of these conflicts and continued to be used into the early Tudor period.

This particular reproduction is based on Royal Armouries Sword IX.144, an original late 15th century English infantry hanger. The surviving sword has been part of the Royal Armouries collection since at least 1916, although its earlier history remains unknown. While it cannot be connected to a specific battle or historical owner, its design provides a remarkable surviving example of the practical swordmaking traditions of late medieval England.

Hand Forged 1080 Carbon Steel and Historical Blade Geometry

Produced by Windlass Steelcrafts as part of the Royal Armouries Collection, this 15th Century Falchion features a hand forged 1080 high carbon steel blade that has been fully tempered and carefully shaped to reflect the original sword's distinctive geometry. Its single-edged construction incorporates subtle changes in cross-section, hollow grinding, and a fuller that helps reduce unnecessary weight while retaining strength.

The blade combines a graceful cutting edge with a slender, reinforced point and substantial spine. This balance of cutting and thrusting characteristics reflects the demands placed on infantry sidearms during an age when opponents might wear padded jacks, mail, or elements of plate armour. Distal taper further contributes to the sword's weight distribution and handling characteristics.

The accompanying scabbard features a wooden core covered in leather, finished with a protective brass chape. At the throat, the leather extends upward to partially cover the guard near the base of the blade, recreating an interesting detail of the historical design. Each sword also includes a certificate of authenticity printed on heavy stock and a polishing cloth.

For collectors of medieval European swords, Wars of the Roses enthusiasts, and admirers of historical English arms, this Royal Armouries falchion offers something particularly appealing: a carefully crafted reproduction of a genuine surviving sword, preserving the distinctive form of a late medieval infantry sidearm.