Page 59 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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Silver-incised ANGLO-SAXONS AND
upper guard ◀ LATE ANGLO- The blade of this pattern-welded
SAXON SWORD sword is mostly broken off, and its
Date 900–1050ce upper and lower guards curve in
opposite directions. Anglo-Saxon
Origin England swords were balanced halfway
Length (Surviving) down the blade, making them
19 ⁄4in (50cm) better adapted for cutting strokes.
3
Lower guard
Pattern-welded
blade stump

Buttons to attach leather
strap to secure to boot NORMANS
Interlacing pattern of Silver hilt ◀ NORMAN SPUR
snakes and grapes Date 11th century
Origin England
Material Iron
Short arms
attach to boots Knights riding on horseback
played a key role in Norman
armies. The riding boots of
these warriors were equipped
▲ DECORATED ANGLO- This ornate early Anglo-Saxon with spurs with spiked ends
SAXON SWORD HILT sword has an intricate gold- to help direct the horses.
Date Mid-8th century ce filigree pommel with interlaced
snakes and grapes against a vine
Origin England pattern. It would have belonged
Material Silver, gold filigree to a high-status warrior or noble.

Spike to spur horse
Rivets for attaching
iron strips
▼ NORMAN ARROWS The narrow, pointed heads of
Date 11th–12th century ce Norman arrows were designed
▶ NORMAN HELMET Origin England to penetrate mail. Despite their
Date 11th century ce effectiveness on the battlefield,
however, arrows were little used
Origin England or by the Normans before the
northern France Battle of Hastings against
Material Iron the English in 1066.
Norman warriors wore conical
metal helmets, much like earlier
medieval Spangenhelms. Norman
helmets, however, also featured
a long, thin nose guard for
better facial protection.

Separate iron strips
joined together to
form helmet Nose guard

◀ NORMAN SWORD
Pommel in the shape
of a brazil nut Date c.1100
Origin England
3
Weight 2 ⁄4lb (1.28kg)
Length 38in (96.5cm)
Norman swords generally had
brazil-nut-shaped pommels, long,
flat cross-guards, and a broad, flat
blade that was adapted for use
Wide, flat blade both from horseback and on foot.