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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 139

High Medieval European Knightly Sword, Oakeshott Type XI, Circa 1180–1250 AD

Estimate: $5,000 - $9,000
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

This iron sword represents a well-preserved example of a High Medieval European single-handed sword, attributable to the Oakeshott Type XI blade form. The blade is long, narrow, and powerfully tapered, featuring a pronounced central fuller running nearly the full length, a defining hallmark of Type XI swords. The cross-section is lenticular, and the blade terminates in a sharply defined point, optimized for both cut-and-thrust combat. The surface exhibits numerous edge nicks, shallow gouges, and longitudinal wear consistent with extended period use rather than later decorative manufacture.

The hilt assembly further supports a late 12th to early 13th century attribution. The guard is a Style 1 straight cross, simple and functional, with only minimal taper toward the ends, typical of transitional and early High Medieval swords. The pommel is best classified as a Type G disc pommel, though its rounded, almost spherical profile shows some overlap with early Type R forms, a known occurrence during this developmental period. Such pommel forms reflect a shift away from Viking-era lobed and Brazil-nut styles toward more compact, balanced counterweights suited for evolving fighting techniques.

Type XI swords are historically associated with the rise of armored cavalry and professional knightly warfare across Western Europe, particularly during the Crusading period. Their elongated blades and extended fullers allowed for effective reach and improved handling while retaining cutting authority against lightly armored opponents. Examples displaying honest combat wear, as seen here, are increasingly scarce and are strongly favored by collectors seeking authentic, non-restored medieval weapons with intact typological integrity.

 

Provenance: Purchased at the City of Wolin (an island in northern Poland that was a main Viking site) by my local European contract buyer in 2024. 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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