FromHistorical Recreations: The Hank Reinhardt Collection!
The Dordogne Sword, found in the river Dordogne near Castillon "From an original drawing done by Ewart Oakeshott and given to Hank Reinhardt".
(History Lives)

Sword of Kings

Dordogne Sword - TYPE XVa SWORD - The original sword was dredged up from the river Dordogne many years ago. Although the blade was badly corroded, both the hilt and guard were in good condition. This sword dates between 1410 and 1450AD.
The Type XVa  was developed to oppose the plate armor that had arrive sometime before. Although plate armor would be impenetrable to a thrust from a hand held weapon, there were many junctions and openings in the armor that the sword could penetrate. Gripped with two hands, both covered in mail gauntlets, with one hand on the blade and the other on the hilt, a very powerful thrust could be delivered, splitting mail links and forcing its way through the various opening of the armor.
Although the primary purpose the Type XVa was in thrusting, many had well sharpened blades as well, which could deliver a disabling cut to a lighter armed opponent.
The drawing from which this sword was made is the last drawing Ewart Oakeshott sent me, and this is the first chance I've had to have it properly reproduced.
The sword is hand forged from a high carbon steel, and the steel guard and pommel are beautifully formed following the three dimensional drawings. Sword is sold complete with wood scabbard wrapped in leather with steel accents.
                                                          Hank Reinhardt

Ewart made many drawings and sketches over the years of swords that he examined, and during that time he sent me this drawing, and this is a drawing from an actual piece he was examining. I do not think that this sword was actually photographed or sketched by him for his book "Records of the Medieval Sword".  Certainly, and I know for a fact, the book does not contain all of the swords that Ewart examined, handled, and or owned over all of the years.

There are many swords that are similar to this one and that should not be a surprise to anyone, but if one looks carefully at Ewart's drawing you can easily see how closely the manufacturing of this sword followed his drawing. I do remember in the initial discussion of this sword with Ewart, he was very adamant that the weight should be close to three pounds, which is what I tried to adhere to, and I am very happy that the new completed sword is right on in both weight and the dimensions of the sword that Ewart examined and made the drawing of in April of 1990.
I hope this clears the matter up.
Best, Hank


This is a picture of the original drawing done by Ewart Oakeshott.  The drawing is taken from Ewart Oakeshott's Record of the Medieval Sword.
Page 129 #2.
Click on the picture for a full size view (It will take a while to load).  Note on the bottom right you will see Ewart's Signature and date of the drawing.


This sword features polished steel pommel and crossguard and a suede wrapped handle.  Full wide tang that is peened over top of the pommel..
The FIRST 20 SWORDS will be hand autographed personally by Hank Reinhardt.  Shown is a sample of Numbered and Individually Signed Certificate.

Blade length:  36"
Handle/Hilt length:  7.25"
Overall:  44.25"
Balance Point:  4.5" Below Hilt
Weight:  3 lbs. 3.2 oz.
 
IP-701-2  Dordogne Sword First Production Run Sale.  Limited Time only!  Pre-order now and receive the sale price.  After they are pre-sold the sale price will end. $239.00
IP-701s-2  Dordogne Sword, Numbered and (Signed by Hank Reinhardt) First Production Run Sale.  Limited Time only!  Pre-order now and receive the sale price.  After they are pre-sold the sale price will end. $319.00

Go to Next Sword
Previous Sword


Note .. The construction of this sword makes it suitable for heavy reenactment use.
Also Note..This sword (and or dagger) comes very sharp.
These instruments are NOT toys, their use requires the training and supervision of a qualified Teacher or Trainer in
sword use or fencing. Their use in ANY other form (i.e. chopping trees down in the backyard, etc. ;-) can result
in severe injury to the user and to the instrument, and is not warranted by Imperial Weapons. If you are not
qualified, DO NOT attempt to use these instruments before securing qualified instruction. Owning an instrument
such as this carries with it a responsibility to gain the instruction needed to become proficient and qualified in its
use. Users should contact a qualified Trainer or Teacher or join a fencing club to receive proper training. The
necessary training is NOT available via books or videos; and no, it is definitely not as easy as it looks. Imperial
Weapons, its employees, nor associated companies, assume no responsibility for injury, damage, or loss incurred
by use of these instruments. All edged instruments can be dangerous when handled by ill-trained or
non-trained personnel. We cannot stress too strongly that, without exception, the user of these instruments must
get the proper training to insure their own safety and the safety of others.