Italian Longsword, 15thC.

Italian 15th century longsword. Custom design.

Inscription

Custom inscription in latin: Quisque gradus excelsior sit quam antiquior wich means 'Each step higher than the last'.

Characteristics

This sword design and parameters are based on 15th century longsword from museum in Brescia, Italy.

Extrimely good handling, stiff and narrow point, very good for trusting. Grip style based on Brescia sword is very comfortable with thin, rounded cross-sections and big ring in a middle. Big pommel makes very good balance, close to the cross and very common as most of this type original longswords, provide quick moving the sword with advanced techniques.

Measurements:
overall length 1140mm
blade length 880mm
grip length 185mm
blade width 53mm
thickness: at the base 7mm
crossguard 225mm
pommel 60x45mm
balance ca. 85mm
weight ca. 1410g

Customer review:

'After proposing to my fiancé and presenting her with the ring, she felt it was only right to give me an engagement present in the name of fairness. We had talked about me commissioning a sword for my 30^th birthday, but it didn’t pan out. This, it seemed, would be the perfect time.

As such, I got in touch with Maciej to discuss his work. Of all the swordmakers I have seen online, his was the work that appeared most authentic and impressive. And of all the swords he had created, the Brescia Spadona was certainly the one that captured my imagination the most.

When commissioning the sword, Maciej was very thorough in getting all the details right. He explained that each sword is a unique piece, and that there would be some slight variations from his earlier historical recreation, which had taken him months to perfect.

He assured me that the finished product would be near-identical in performance and handling. Excited by the chance to define the piece for my own requirements, I requested a slightly longer fuller and hilt to ensure it would be fast in the hand, as I intended to use it for stage combat.

Throughout the process we discussed elements of style, and Maciej was very good at ensuring all the details across both the sword and scabbard were kept period accurate, while also accommodating my personal taste.

The inscription, “Each Step Higher Than The Last', was a deeply personal addition to the sword. It was originally an old Japanese proverb. I had lived in Japan for a year, and I was leaving to become an actor. I had befriended an old calligrapher, and he wanted anyone who wished to pursue the arts to do so whole-heartedly. A friend I first met in Japan then helped me transliterate the proverb into Latin, with some poetical flourish, “Quisque Gradus Excelsior Sit Quam Antiquior', more literally ‘may each step exceed that which has gone before’. Maciej inscribed it beautifully into the blade - an artist himself, it felt like a message we both believed in.

When I received the sword (ahead of schedule!), the results were stunning. The piece was well protected in foam packaging and the postage to the UK was fast. Opening the piece, it was well oiled and beautifully finished.

The sword looks like an heirloom piece, and performs like a true weapon. It is fast and accurate in hand, and deceptively light for such a large sword, thanks to superb balance. I have yet to put it through its paces in contact, but I look forward to the opportunity to do so.

The sword’s first cut will be our wedding cake, bringing the piece full circle, and making it an important part of the most important day in our lives. As an engagement gift, I couldn’t ask for anything more, and Maciej’s realisation of the piece ensured it more than lived up to these lofty ideas and expectations.

I feel a sense of wonder handling the sword, knowing that a craftsman made something so elegant, glittering and precise with hammers and fire. It feels like a responsibility I have to live up to in my own practice. A weapon that instils that humility. Inspiring.'