We purchased this sword at Christie's, London in a general sale, about 35 years ago. It is of early 12th century form, completely hand forged of wrought iron which is correct for the period. The heavy 24 ½” blade has lost some length and been repointed in its working life. Some original finish is preserved with some areas of heavy corrosion as caused by contact with moisture retaining material such as a rack or fragmented scabbard. Wall hung swords also display similar patterns caused by among other things, birds nesting between the sword and wall. The forte bears a large maker’s mark PD. A very similar mark is recorded to Peter Dauer of Nuremberg at the end of the 16th century. The tang has three in line raised nubs, perhaps workers control marks. The sword has every indication of bring genuine of the period 1050-1125. See Records of the Medieval Sword, Oakeshott, XI. 1-2 for a comparable example. It has been shortened and repointed with the quillons slightly reduced to maintain its proportions. The maker’s mark appears to have been added later. Perhaps as information evolves, the reason for that anomaly may be explained.
