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Albion ”The Alexandria” Sword

SKU: ANH25 Categories: , , Tag:
(3 customer reviews)

$1,582.00$1,694.00

Dozens of European medieval swords were once kept within the Mameluke armory in Alexandria. Likely diplomatic gifts and tribute, these masterly crafted swords were well cared for and have become a priceless cache of the swordsmiths art. Among its more elegant examples is the knightly sword recreated here, named The Alexandria by Albion.

The likely source for most of these blades was from the Kingdom of Cyprus. The first collection of these swords may have come a Crusading Cypriot force that looted Alexandria in 1375. The swords may have been trophies taken from a small rearguard, too weighted down with loot to get away in time before being overwhelmed by vengeful Mamelukes.

In succeeding decades, Cyprus would find fortune turned against itself; The Kingdom was in a precarious position, nigh surrounded by hostile Muslim powers now largely unopposed and emboldened after a series of unsuccessful Crusades. Already elaborate diplomatic gifts were being sent to the Eastern powers to buy time. In 1425, the Kingdom, already staggering from plague, was invaded by raiding Mamelukes intent on punishing the Cypriots for their past sorties against the Egyptian coast. In one desperate battle, King Janus of Cyprus was taken prisoner and hauled back to Egypt with much of the wealth of Cyprus in tow. The Mamelukes released him ten months later upon receiving an enormous ransom payment and the humbled Kingdom was further obliged to satiate the Mamelukes with annual tribute. The exquisite swords of Alexandria, many crafted by masters in Northern Italy and Germany, were likely included in the annual tribute to the Sultan.

What makes the Alexandria sword stand out from many in the collection is the great care that its crafter paid to making the blade in specific and harmonious geometric ratios. Medieval and Renaissance drafters, artists and craftsmen of architecture, art, and even some bladesmithing, first envisioned their creation with mathematical ratios. They were Inspired by the geometric ratios commonly found in nature and believed that this mathematical harmony was evidence of God creating the world with specific, logical ratios. Thus they sought to emulate his methods in their own creations, believing this brought their work into alignment with the properties of the universe and perhaps imparting some of the mysterious, the divine and its powers into their efforts. Using this concept, parts of the sword such as the length of the crossguard and the width of the blade were determined entirely by geometry, not by whim.

Whether divine or not, the result of this attention to geometry made for a well balanced sword. It is utilitarian in design, yet elegant in its execution. The base of the blade is quite wide, but a flat diamond profile and sharp taper bring its center of balance closer to the hand, making for an altogether more agile sword, quicker and lighter in the hand than its overall weight suggests. This specific sword of Milanese manufacture was likely brought into the Alexandrian Armory sometime between 1414 – 1419. It is a superb example of the quality of arms wielded by Knights of the time.

This recreation, by Albion Armorers, has a hand ground and sharpened blade of high carbon steel. The crossguard and pommel are cast from mild steel. The grip is of stabilized birch wood, cord-wrapped and fitted over with tight leather.

The sword grip comes in a selection of colors, please select an option below.

Overall Length43 3/4''
Blade Length34 3/8''
Weight3 lb 11 oz
EdgeVery Sharp
Width3''
Thickness4.9 mm - 2.4 mm
PommelPeened
P.O.B.4''
Grip Length6 7/8''
Blade [6150 High Carbon Steel]
Grip ColorBlack Grip
ClassBattle Ready
ManufacturerAlbion Swords Ltd
Country of OriginUSA

3 reviews for Albion ”The Alexandria” Sword

  1. William S.

    Excellent Sword Impressions: This sword was on my buy list when Albion first started producing them. The Alexandria is not a fencing sword and is designed as an instrument of war. There are really no frills and laces and there is no mistaking the intent behind this design. The blade is quite stiff even while being thin and wide. The grip is comfortable and I can fit both hands. I can comfortably handle this sword 1-handed for short periods of time. Using 2-hands will unleash the full potential of the Alexandria. The pommel is comfortable to grasp and a plus for those like Sean with meat-hooks. My grip measures 7 inches. The sword seems like it will be a great cutter but retains enough point to be an effective thruster. I have read some people say the sword handles well and lighter than its weight but honestly, I feel the weight is fine for the size and intent of the sword.

    Small Issues: The sword shipped from KOA in one of their regular brown shipping boxes. The sword blade was covered in plastic wrap and brown paper. This in itself is no biggie but this Alexandria I received has some small rust places on the pommel. The leather dye on the grip has a few discolorations. The blade is not finished to the usual high quality Albion finish I have taken for granted on my previous 30+ swords from them. Very visible and uneven sanding marks the first several inches from the hilt and some bright spots near the tip. I have decided to keep the sword vice sending it back as the flaws are disappointing but does not impede the functionality or overall good looks of the sword.

  2. Terry

    Alexandria The first word that comes to mind when you see this sword is menacing. This sword is all business. As the gentleman stated in the other review, No Frills is almost an understatement… this is truly an instrument of war. But let us now look at its true inner beauty, it’s construction fit and finish.. this is why you wait a year, and pay the price for an Albion sword. This sword came to me almost flawless, the fit between the blade and guard is perfect, the Gap around the blade is non-existent, something other manufacturers could learn a lesson from. The satin finish on the blade is even and flawless, and wow did it come Sharp! The black leather grip is typical of Albion, seamless and perfect. The castings of the guard and pommel are without pits or imperfections from the mold. Handling characteristics of this sword seem to be quite light & agile for its weight and size, and believe could be adopted as a one-hander with practice….

  3. alientude

    One of my favorite swords that I’ve ever handled. It puts a big, stupid goofy grin on my face whenever I pick it up. There’s been so many rave reviews of this sword’s sister, the Principe, but the Alexandria is more true to the originals, and personally I find it far more attractive. And the grip is just phenomenal to hold. An absolutely superb sword.

    Longer video review available here: https://youtu.be/wE_-QrjD1NU

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