English 15th Century Falchion, licensed by the Royal Armouries

A late 15th century English infantry hanger, or falchion. The original has resided in the Royal Armouries Collection since before 1916 and its exact origin before that is unknown, but it is part of an English group of similar swords. This family of swords, sometimes known as ‘Wakefield’ hangers, often feature beaked pommels and S-shaped hand guards. Some have an additional side bar or lug on the guard, as seen in this example. (Note: the lug on the original had been damaged and is bent upward, meaning it actually pokes into the hand. The lug is properly curved downward on our reproduction.) These short swords were popular sidearms for billmen and archers during the Wars of the Roses and into the early Tudor period. Thousands of swords like this would have seen action in battles like Towton, Barnet, Tewkesbury and Bosworth. This example features a deceptively complex and challenging single edge blade, with subtle transitions of cross-section and clever hollow grinding and a fuller to make it lighter. It has a graceful hollow ground front edge and a slender but strong point, with a thick spine able to deal with the rigors of fighting armoured opponents in jacks, mail and plate. The hilt provides a good level of hand protection for the time, for soldiers who were not generally wearing gauntlets. A quick and easily maneuverable sword, designed to be efficient at cutting and slashing.  More information...