John Barnet 13Th Century Sword Museum Quality

The swords of the 12th and 13th centuries did not change greatly, typically featuring straight cruciform guards, circular pommels and straight, slightly tapering double-edged blades. By around 1300 defensive body armour had improved significantly: plate armour was combined with chainmail on the arms, torso and legs, and blades were adapted to meet these new protections. Guards began to be down-turned at the ends and blades developed into more pointed, elongated triangular forms. These designs improved handling by reducing weight toward the tip, allowing freer movement, and the sharper point made it easier to reach less well-armoured areas. During this period swords evolved to such an extent that new techniques of swordsmanship became possible.