1308-1400 AD. An iron 'bastard' or 'hand-and-a-half' sword of Oakeshott Type XVIa, probably a marriage; long tapering blade with later fullers; the unusual crossguard widening at the terminals, long flat-section grip; type 11 pommel of octagonal shape. See Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of Weapons, London, 1960; Oakeshott, E., Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge, 1991; Oakeshott, E., The sword in the Age of the Chivalry, Woodbridge, 1964 (1994); Oakeshott, E., Sword in hand, London, 2001; similar specimen in Oakeshott, 1960, pl.16,2.1.7 kg, 1.13m (44 3/4"). From a 1980s collection, acquired by the vendor’s family; thence by descent; accompanied by an academic report by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10476-168668. This blade-form developed as a direct offensive answer to the newly-developed reinforced mail armour of the early 14th century AD. It was broad and flat enough in section to provide an efficient cutting edge, but the lower part at the end of the fuller is nearly always of a stiff flattened-diamond section with a strong median ridge, making it suitable for thrusting. The iron pommel is a rarity; most surviving examples are of bronze or latten.