Lake Neuchâtel-miekka huotralla, 1200-l.

Lake Neuchâtel Arming Sword with Scabbard, 13th Century

This decorative one-handed sword is a replica of a remarkably well-preserved archaeological piece recovered from the Lake Neuchâtel (German: Neuenburgersee), Switzerland.

The original find now belongs to the collection of the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) in Zurich (item IN 6982).

Classified as an Oakeshott type XIV, the original sword has a broad blade that evenly tapers to a sharp point to enhance its thrusting potential without sacrificing any of its cutting abilities. It is fullered on both sides about two thirds down its length.

The sword’s most notable feature is the enigmatic inscription N n S D etched into the fuller. Athough the meaning of this letter sequence, framed by two crosses pattée, still remains a matter of speculation, experts tend to believe that the letters stand for an abbreviated prayer or invocation of God, possibly IN NOMINE SANCTI DOMINI (in the name of the Holy Lord), IN NOMINE SANCTI DEI (in the name of the Holy God), or IN NOMINE SALVATORIS DOMINI (in the name of the Saviour and Lord).

The edges are not sharpened and the blade's full tang is riveted to the pommel. The hilt is composed of a slightly downwardly curved crossguard, a thick wheel pommel and a wooden core grip with a tight binding of blue leather cord. The guard and pommel are both crafted from solid steel.

This medieval knightly sword comes complete with a blue wood-and-leather scabbard with two adjustable carrying straps made of black leather and equipped with antiqued brass buckles.

This medieval sword is not a battle ready weapon.

It is designed as a collector’s or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. 

- Blade material: tempered EN45 spring steel (high carbon steel, not stainless)
- Rockwell hardness: approx. 48-52 HRC
- Handle material: leather-wrapped wood, steel guard and pommel
- Overall length: approx. 83.5 cm
- Blade length: approx. 66 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 5 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Hilt length: approx. 17.5 cm (grip approx. 10 cm)
- Max. blade width: approx. 6.2 cm
- Point of balance: approx. 11 cm from the guard
- Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover and sword hangers (max. belt width 7 cm)
- Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.58 kg
- Weight with scabbard: approx. 2.1 kg