Typology of swords according to Oakeshott: Type XVI

Imagine a Sword...

If you want to choose a suitable replica of a historical medieval sword, there
are two main approaches you can take: either commission a highly faithful reproduction
of a specific surviving original or design a sword that, based on current knowledge,
represents the style of a particular historical period in a way a craftsman of that time could
have made it. This approach considers the dimensions, weight, balance, and forms typical
of the chosen historical period. If you choose the latter option, you will need a professional
typology of medieval swords.

Currently, one of the most commonly used systems for classifying medieval swords
is the typology created by Ewart Oakeshott (known as Oakeshott‘s typology). It covers
swords from the 10th century to the early 16th century. This typology distinguishes
various blade types, guards, and pommels, as well as their dating and possible
combinations documented through surviving sword originals and/or depictions
in historical illuminated manuscripts, panel or wall paintings, and sculptural works.
If you decide to follow this typology, you can essentially „assemble“ your sword to fit
the medieval period of your choice. The foundational element is selecting an appropriate
blade shape that matches your desired period in terms of dating. You then combine
it with a suitable guard and pommel type that were used during that period in conjunction
with this specific blade type.

Important Note: Keep in mind that the dating of blades, guards, and pommels as indivi-
dual sword components does NOT progress in a seamless timeline. For instance, some pommel types have a broad chronological range – such as so-called coin-shaped pommels, which appeared in five different variations over a span of 500 years. During that time, this pommel type was used with several different blade types. In other words, a particular pommel type might have been in use far longer than the blade type it was first identified with.

To help you think about a suitable sword based on your preferences, we offer this simple
guide based on Oakeshott‘s typology. General dating is derived from the blade type,
along with notes on how long swords with this blade type might have remained in use
or continued to be used even after other blade styles became more common.
Considering the points made above, do not be surprised if you find the same guard
and pommel variants appearing with several different blade types in this guide.
Remember, the dating of a specific guard or pommel is provided here only in relation
to the dating of the given blade type and the timeframe when they were used together.
In reality, the guard or pommel in question may have been in use for a longer period
than the selected blade type.