Medieval Swords

rugcat · Mar 12, 2007

I know we've got some weapons experts out there.

What would be the approximate value of an antique medieval scimitar in good condition, something from Persia or the like. Also, would it still be be functional? If you struck a large rock with it, how likely would it be for the blade to break?

(I know that Damascus blades were reputed to be able to slice rock, as well as silk, but I'm looking for realism, an actual sword that might belong to an average collector without a fortune.)

Deleted member 42 · Mar 12, 2007

A sword like that wouldn't belong to an average collector. Really. There are only a very few extant examples left, most in Russian and the Middle East.

rugcat · Mar 12, 2007

Thank you, that's good to know. I might have to make it a replica, then.

wordmonkey · Mar 13, 2007

If you are going for a replica, you can then have modern techniques and alloys used that would not have been available originally.

If you do go replica, my advice would be to check the LA phone-book. I believe there are a couple of guys out there who make replica weapons for the movies (and private collectors). They'd be able to give you costs, specs and more technical info.

Googled "sword maker" got
http://swordsofmight.com/

Lots more beyond that.

waylander · Mar 13, 2007

There are replica arms makers who advertise in Realms of Fantasy magazine

blacbird · Mar 13, 2007

This is an aside, but you might find Sir Richard F. Burton's classic Book of the Sword a fascinating source of information, plus just an enjoyable read. Dover has had an excellent and relatively inexpensive facsimile edition out in recent years. You'd probably have to order it from them, unless you have a reeeeeeally good bookstore where you live.

caw

rugcat · Mar 13, 2007

blacbird said:
This is an aside, but you might find Sir Richard F. Burton's classic Book of the Sword a fascinating source of information, plus just an enjoyable read.

Thanks all. This was just for a minor point in the ms where I didn't want to make any howlers, and Medievalist steered me away.

Sir Richard Burton was a fascinating man. Check out the classic biography by Fawn Brodie at Amazon

Medieval Swords

rugcat

Lost in the Fog

Deleted member 42

rugcat

Lost in the Fog

wordmonkey

ook

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

blacbird

rugcat

Lost in the Fog