Ca. 1100-1400 AD. Crusader Period. A beautiful iron sword with a long, bevelled blade, short guard, and long, two-handed grip, terminating a hemispherical pommel. The Crusades were military expeditions that begun in the late 11th century AD. They were organized by Western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion in the Holy Lands. People of all social classes took place in the Crusades, from heavily armed knights – such as the probable owner of this beautiful piece – to humble peasants using improvised weapons, all in pursuit of salvation in the afterlife. Mounted on a custom-made stand. Excellent condition. For more information on Crusaders swords, see France, J. (2020). Western Warfare in the Age of the Crusades 1000-1300. Taylor & Francis, 22ff. Size: L:925mm / W:150mm ; 710g. Provenance: Property of a European collector. Formerly in the collection of Earl Mitchell, London 1990s.