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Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics

Sat, Feb 28, 2026 11:00AM EST
  2026-02-28 11:00:00 2026-02-28 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-1-war-through-the-ages-ancient-arms-roman-antiquities-medieval-relics-21418
Step into history with Treasure Trove’s largest Militaria auction to date, presented across two unforgettable days. Day One spans the ancient and early modern world, featuring antiquities, arms, armor, and military artifacts from Classical civilizations through the American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and into World War I. Day Two turns to the modern battlefield, showcasing an exceptional selection of World War II and post-war militaria, including uniforms, helmets, daggers, medals, field gear, and historically significant wartime relics.
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Lot 136

Battle Worn Crusader-Era Arming Sword, Brazil-Nut Pommel, Iron Blade (c. 1080–1220 AD)

Estimate: $5,000 - $9,500
Starting Bid
$500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000

A Crusader-era arming sword, dating to the late 11th through early 13th century, representing the transitional period between Viking-age sword traditions and the fully developed medieval knightly sword. This sword is has a long, straight, double-edged iron blade showing extensive age corrosion and a series of pronounced edge losses, nicks, and surface strikes that strongly suggest hard use over its working life. The hilt is of notably austere form, with a straight, narrow crossguard and a distinctive wedge or “brazil-nut” style pommel profile. The wedge / brazil-nut style pommel is a hallmark of the post-Viking. While heavy oxidation obscures finer construction details that would otherwise be used for tighter classification (such as fuller definition), the overall geometry and hilt proportions align closely with early knightly and Crusader-period sword forms discussed in the Oakeshott tradition of typology.

In typological terms, this sword’s hilt form is more consistent with the early medieval, “knightly” evolution of the weapon than with classic Viking hilt families. Jan Petersen’s system remains the foundational reference for Viking-age hilt classification, and later frameworks, including Oakeshott’s, are often used to describe the subsequent development into the Crusader-era arming sword, where simpler straight guards and brazil-nut pommels become especially recognizable features in period iconography and surviving examples. As a category, these swords occupy a pivotal historical moment: the weapon of the mounted warrior and professional fighting class, carried across battlefields and frontiers during a time when Europe’s military culture and material technology were rapidly consolidating.

Offered as an exceptionally evocative relic, this piece rewards the advanced collector who values untouched condition and archaeological presence, where every scar and loss reads as part of the object’s long trajectory through time. The extensive wear to the blade, in particular, gives this sword a rare visual power: not a sterile example, but a survivor, preserved in the state that centuries left it, and compelling precisely because it appears to have lived a hard, consequential life.

Provenance: Purchased from a reputable arms & armor dealer in 2018. This sword has been professionally preserved since its acquisition.

★ ★
Honest Wear or As Found – Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item's character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as "salty". For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions' proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

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