#albion swords

[dbkcustomscabbards]

A recently completed scabbard commission for the Albion Svante sword

[petermorwood]

Hello! I was watching this Adam Savage video on youtube and it's about antique swords at the MET, so naturally I thought of you. It's a rather recent one titled "Adam Savage Meets Real Ancient Swords!" on Adam Savage's Tested channel. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it, because it was so interesting. Sadly, I can't add a link, but it should be easy to find with the title. Hope you're having a great day!

I've actually already seen this, but many thanks for thinking of me; that\s how I get to see / hear / read stuff I'd otherwise miss!

it's a great video, and I immediately showed it to @dduane because Adam reacted in the same way I would have done - even to the sword he liked best, which of course indicates his excellent taste in weapons...

:-D

Here's the link:

Conservator Sean Belair mentions (at 6:17) "...another identical one floating around..." This photo shows several; Darksword Armoury, Albion Swords and Ronin Katana repros, and two museum originals.

The one Sean refers to, given his use of "identical", is probably the "Harriet Dean" sword which reappeared a few years ago.

These "Dean" swords were a pair acquired by Dr Bashford Dean, the Met's first curator of arms and armour, one of which he donated to the museum. The second was held by his sister Harriet and, on her death, was auctioned off and vanished (probably into a private collection) for three-quarters of a century before turning up at Christies in 2015.

Its value was estimated at £70-100,000 and it went for £386,500 (!) - but where it went, to a museum collection or back into private hands, I have no idea...

[kultofathena]

Pre-Owned Albion Laird Sword

Blade Condition: Moderate to Medium amount of light scratches, scuffing on blade present. Edge is still fairly sharp

Hilt Condition: Good condition with medium amount of light cosmetic blemishing and scratches.  Pommel has a custom brass Celtic Cross medallion inserted on both sides of the pommel

Grip: Excellent condition – Grip color is Oxblood Construction Condition: Sword is still durably peened and solidly constructed

The Scottish sword has characteristic features that puts it apart from its continental cousins: the down sloping guard with spatulate ends and a wheel pommel with very high rivet block. Most swords made in Scotland were probably produced by cutlers mounting imported blades with hilts according to local taste and tradition. Scottish warriors were faithful to old customs and ways of warfare. This is evident from medieval times up to the 18th Century.

This is perhaps the most classic of all blade styles. A weapon that is broad and bold with understated elegance in shapes, lines and volumes. The heft of the sword is managed by an effective use of nonlinear distal taper and a deep and well defined fuller. This results in a lively and responsive feel that invites you to strike with the sword. The outer third of the blade curves gradually to a sharp point. This gives a visual balance to the broad base of the blade and also helps in establishing sweet handling characteristics.

The Laird has a hand-ground high carbon steel blade that is tempered for flexibility and edge retention. The crossguard and pommel are cast from mild steel. The grip is stabilized birch wood, cord-wrapped and fitted over with tight leather.

Some customers like to place period coins, religious symbols or heraldry markers inside the pommel recess. The dimension of the recess are: width: 0.64”, depth: 0.115”.

[oneknightstand-if]

Arthurian Level 3 MC's Excalibur Replica

So, here's some visual guides for the $3000 Excalibur replica that certain MC's may be toting about (or maybe already broken to their horror).

That sword is mostly based on the Albion Discerner (currently $2530) which is a replica of the Lindsey Sword (which was the basis for the 1981 movie Excalibur prop weapon).

[calebauer]

there’s more than one type of wanted poster ❥ psychedelic!merthur modern au

more about this au, merlin’s tattoos can magically change at any time as a means of identity protection. everything arthur is selling was designed by merlin under one of the many emrys aliases ♥️

[purpleelephantsocks]

genuinely wondering at what point Merlin told Arthur about the prophesy of the Once and Future King or whether Merlin just forgot Arthur isn't aware and starts using it in his motivational speeches and Arthur is like "wtf kind of gibberish is Merlin talking about now?" but doesn't ask further because it's Merlin and who knows what kind of answer he'd get

[didanawisgi]

Making the finest hand-crafted scabbards, for the discerning collector of fine swords.

[sachithra33-blog]

Albion Online Mist Open World Dual Swords Chests PvP

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Merlin using magic to fake skills (juggling) is hilarious to me, because what are the limits to that?

Could he technically fake sword skills?

And could he technically get just a little bit tired of Arthur running his mouth on day so he grabs a sword, grins in a way that absolutely terrifies anyone in all of Albion, and just casually decides to put the best swordsman in the five kingdoms on his ass.

No one knows how, and he refuses to spar with anyone, but every now and again he shows just a bit too much competency on the training field, using his magic for shits and giggles or even vague threats when Arthur or any of the knights does something stupid.

Is that possible?

Or is there just a spell to make people inexplicably good at juggling?

That seems a bit too hyper specific, y’know?

[bthemistake]

~Guinevere, the mourning Queen of Albion~

[Audio Description: The BBC Merlin character, Guinevere, dressed in an entirely black dress with no adornments. She has a small headpiece which dips across her forehead, a few red gems dangling from it, and it tucks into her hair, which hangs loose and brushed behind her. She holds a sword, one hand around the hilt and another, the hand bearing her wedding ring, clutching the blade, bleeding from where she is gripping the sharp metal. She stares at the viewer, face still and emotionless, bound by her duty and grief to Camelot.]

[dbkcustomscabbards]

A recently completed Albion Brescia Spadona sword scabbard

[comicaurora]

Following off of, but moving away slightly from all the Fate talk: If you were to write a ‘King Arthur but female’ story, how would you go about it? What would you look for in such a story?

I can think of a couple ways I'd do it!

First, the easy part. Sword in the anvil/stone, whosoever draws it forth is the rightful king of England. Well shit, that little peasant girl just pulled it out like it was nothing. Hail to the king, any objections can be directed to The Indomitable Soul Of Albion Herself.

Or, if ancient England accepting a lady king is too much of a stretch, Merlin has a habit of helping people out with magical disguises. If necessary - and if it would be fun from a story standpoint - our peasant girl of Secret Noble Heritage could get a magical disguise that lets her appear male. Could even go full fairy tale and do something like having her appear as her true self at night, and King Arthur during the day. If we really wanted to blend it, we could let her female identity be Morgan le Fay, Merlin's student with an affinity for dark times. However, doing that would spoil the potential gay drama of letting Morgan be a powerful villainess who learns Arthur's true identity early on, and that might be too good to pass up. And since Arthur's eventual destiny is to be taken to Avalon by Morgan to sleep until England's greatest hour of need, that gets Cool Layers if we let them have a whole enemies-to-lovers thing going throughout.

Arthuriana is extremely loose in the canon department anyway, so while there are touchpoints I'd want to hit, we'd have a lot of freedom of movement in how we'd hit them. This would basically just add layers of characterization to how Arthur would handle the various adventures she gets into - especially if she feels the need to obscure her identity from some or all of her knights. There's a surplus of damsels in various folktales that could be Arthur stuck in her secret identity due to Magical Hijinks.

Unfortunately, Guinevere's foundational role in the story almost always involves her sleeping with dudes who are not Arthur, and since the overall story of Camelot is a tragedy whose downfall is brought on by a schism in the royal family, we might need to keep that for thematic consistency. And it takes on layers if we stick with the "Arthur's public identity, at least at first, is a Dude" thing, because - shocking as this may be - some people actually aren't even a little bit gay, and if Guinevere ended up politically wedded to Arthur only to learn that her husband is in fact not her preferred gender of lover, she might not be jazzed about that.

Other than that, let the cool swordfights and quests remain unchanged and I think you've got a good recipe for episodic character drama.

[kultofathena]

Pre-Owned Albion Gaddhjalt Viking Sword

Blade Condition:  Medium amount of light scratches, scuffing on blade present and some light shallow pitting. Edge is still fairly sharp

Hilt Condition: Medium amount of light cosmetic blemishing and scratches and light shallow pitting.

Grip: Excellent condition – Grip color is Oxblood Construction Condition: Sword is still durably peened and solidly constructed

In the late Viking era this style of hilt was referred to regionally as a ‘gaddhjalt’ (pr. gahd-hyalt) or ‘spike hilt,’ due to the distinctive thin quillons on the guard — distinguishing it from the earlier, more ‘stout’ Viking hilt forms. Hilts with long slim crossguards were categorized as a Type X by Jan Petersen. He dates these to a period spanning from the early 10th to the mid-11th centuries. This type of sword was the precursor of what we refer to today as the ‘Crusader cruciform hilt.’ This sword is designed to be a perfected representative of this type, blending the properties of several originals and their common design elements into a simple, yet dramatically beautiful and dynamic sword of the period. The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on his first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type. The blade is classified as a Geibig Type 5 (which also could be described as an Oakeshott Type Xa or XI). The blade is made of high carbon steel to high tolerances in aspects regarding harmonic proportions and mass distribution as observed in original blades of the same type. To establish edge geometry and precise surface definition they are hand ground to a fine satin finish, sharpened and heat-treated in the Albion Forge Shop to a perfect balance between edge retention and toughness. The grip is of stabilized birch, wrapped with cord and covered with the highest grade vegetable-tanned calfskin.

Albion’s premium, heirloom quality swords are some of the best available worldwide. Each limited edition Albion sword is made by hand, one sword at a time, by a group of the most talented blademakers and cutlers in the world. Albion swords are made entirely in America of the highest quality materials — but with a distinctly European flair — starting with painstaking research of period originals and exacting design work by noted Swedish swordsmith, author and researcher, Peter Johnsson. No detail is too small to replicate faithfully. Each sword is hand-made to order with time-proven traditional construction and no shortcuts or compromises, with the time and attention of a master craftsman. Even though swords are no longer used in warfare, Albion still makes each sword as though your life depended upon it.

[personaje-fics]

you keep watching my eyes

Merlin/Arthur Pendragon. 1.100 words. General Audiences. AO3.

…….

"Come on, attack me as if you mean it."

Merlin adjusts his footing into a defensive posture, expecting his taunt to rise something in Arthur. It does. Apart from his words, his eyes are heavy on Arthur’s, his lips red and smug, his hands clenching and unclenching, ready to cast.

A soft breeze ruffles his hair. Arthur swings his sword.

Their weapons clash with a piercing sound, the force of it sends a thrill down Arthur’s arms. He laughs with exhilaration and swings again.

Little are the times when they can escape from their duties. It happened more often when Merlin was his servant, but since Arthur named him court sorcerer they never seem to have time for themselves, even though they still spend most of their days together.

That's why Arthur decided to tell Merlin to go to the stables that morning, and without explanation, he threw him the reins of his horse.

Merlin didn't complain, so he took it as a win.

The travel through the forest was surprisingly swift and uneventful. The gallop of the horses blended with the singing of birds above them, and blooming flowers announced the coming of spring. In the middle of all that nature, Arthur watched Merlin admire the landscape, and longed.

They arrived at a clearing covered in daisies, ate some of the food Arthur had brought and talked about the latest court gossip they knew. Then, when the silence grew too comfortable, Arthur had the marvellous idea of duelling, him with his sword and Merlin with his magic. The idea turned out not to be so marvellous, because he is, as expected, losing.

Merlin fends off every single one of his blows with magic. Arthur has never had more fun sparring.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Merlin taunts him, and, all right, he’d have more fun if Merlin didn’t spend half of the time mocking him.

"I'm trying here," Arthur does not whine, because kings don't whine.

"What? Is this too hard for the best warrior of Albion?"

Arthur gives him a smirk,

"You think I'm a good warrior?"

Merlin rolls his eyes and attacks again with the one-handed staff he had conjured. His eyes shine golden, like a sunset but better. Arthur gets a good few hits, trying to get closer to him. 

Arthur swings to his right, leaving his left open, and Merlin hits him with a beam of magic that sends him to the ground, landing on a bunch of daisies.

"You keep watching my eyes," Merlin points as he offers him a hand, "which is a good way of getting yourself killed."

Arthur takes the hand and gets up. He is closer to Merlin than he intended, but neither steps away. There, face to face, breathing the same air, Arthur pretends to be calm and with a grin says,

"What? Trying to kill me often?"

Merlin looks at him with something resembling fondness, but that might be exasperation. Then he puts his hand on Arthur's shoulder and gently pushes him, creating a distance between them Arthur never wants to be there.

"One last time?" Merlin asks. Arthur nods and grabs his sword from the ground.

He swings first, to Merlin's right, the sword bouncing off a golden magic shield. Merlin moves his hand down, and magic forms the vague shape of a sword that looks less solid than Arthur knows it is.

Merlin is not holding his weapon; it hovers in the air above his hand, and though it gives him agility and speed, it lacks firmness. Arthur strikes it, stepping towards Merlin, who steps back. Merlin swings, meeting Arthur's sword once, twice. He steps back again and slowly circles Arthur. He is careful to fully face Merlin at all times, though that is something he doesn’t need much practice on.

It’s easy to lose yourself in the slow dance that is fighting. Paying attention to every little one of your opponent's movements, and pointedly not looking at his eyes. Merlin raises his sword, and Arthur meets him there. Then, he lowers them both with a swift movement, and takes advantage of the lack of obstacles between them to tackle Merlin with his shoulder.

Because that is something Merlin has not yet learned. Your weapon is only an extension of yourself, and you must fight like you dance: with your whole body.

He lands on top of Merlin with a thud, and grinning, he says,

"I think I win."

Just after he speaks he realises how breathy his voice is, how his panting is less controlled than he thought it was. He notices how Merlin's chest moves against his own.

He rolls off him before their closeness makes him do something stupid, because this is something he has yet not learned: He can’t just tackle Merlin and expect to feel normal when they touch. He settles on his back, grass tickling his neck and forearms.

"You win," Merlin breathes. He then gets himself comfortable on the ground and closes his eyes. 

Sunlight filters through the tree leaves and paints Merlin with light, and Arthur wants to trace every inch of his face with his fingertips. The curve of his lips, his nose, his cheekbones. He wishes he could have the peace to see him like this every day, forever. 

"I can feel you watching me," Merlin whispers. 

"I don't know what you're talking about," he whispers back.

Merlin's lips stretch into a smile. He turns his face towards Arthur and opens his eyes. Arthur does not have the strength to look away.

Merlin props himself on an elbow, and looking down at Arthur, haloed by the afternoon light, says,

"Hi."

"Hi," Arthur answers, unsure how to react and what to do as Merlin brings a hand to his cheek, and, ever so slowly, leans down.

When their lips touch, it’s like the sun meeting the horizon. Arthur never wants to let go. He wraps his arms around Merlin, who climbs onto his lap without breaking the kiss.

Arthur lets his hands travel to Merlin's neck, then lower to whatever warmth they can find. He can feel one of Merlin’s hands on his chest, where his heart threatens to escape from his ribcage.

"I think I win, now," Merlin murmurs against his lips.

Arthur can only manage a "hm?", his mind fuzzy.

"I'm on top of you. I win."

Arthur huffs.

"That's cheating."

"According to who?" He can feel Merlin's smile against his.

"Me." He runs his fingers over Merlin's cheek, his chin, his jaw. It feels better than he would have ever imagined. "Now stop talking."

[pendragonsclotpole]

merlin reboot idea except this time the main character is arthur and the show is called arthur

jk not that arthur, lol. anyway the pilot opens with an asmr inducing first scene of an unnamed protagonist emerging from a morning workout in the pool. as we see him get ready for the day, we hear faint whispers of a name, one we can’t quite understand, but he seems to recognize. he turns around but no one is there, only the audience sees a brief glimpse of a pale face with dark hair spread out around it in the reflection of the water. we follow him as he gets ready, but we never get a glimpse of his face. the seconds and music build up as he finishes his routine and heads to the university he teaches at. the keychain in his hands shines like the blade of a sword, and the hat he wears rests on his hair like a crown. we see his students greet him and learn he’s a bit of a favorite professor. the big reveal comes when he’s about to enter his office. the camera pans to the placard on the wall, which reads

penn drake, associate professor of medieval english and arthurian literature

the camera follows him inside, rises, and there surrounded by books and iconography of legends from long ago, the face of arthur pendragon in modern garb stares back to the shock of the audience. this story is not about a young boy discovering magic in a kingdom that persecutes it, but of a man plagued by dreams of the legends he studies, haunted by the face of a man he has never met, and sent on a quest to restore magic to the world

we’ve always assumed that merlin would be at arthur’s side at the time of his return, that he would find him, but what if arthur is reborn and spends the next 40 years of his life searching for a purpose? what if the purpose arrives when albion’s need is greatest—when merlin has all but given up, unaware that somewhere out there resides the king of legend, the king he swore himself to, the king he’s been searching for all this time.

call the show pendragon.

[mainlysarcastic]

[Merlin summons Kilgharrah but doesn’t actually reveal his magic]

Arthur: *draws sword ready to attach*

Merlin: wha- no Arthur put your sword away it’s fine

Arthur: MERLIN ITS A DRAGON

Merlin: it’s just Kilgharrah, he’s my friend he won’t hurt you

Arthur: FRIEND?!?! You’re friends with a dragon?

Merlin: yeah I summoned him to help us

Arthur: you really expect me to believe you can summon a dragon.. seriously Merlin

Merlin: … you literally watched me Summon him

Arthur: oh yeah? And how do you have the ability to do that then? I’d love to hear your explanation

Merlin: we’ll I’m a Dragon Lord so..

Arthur: ha, a Dragon Lord? Seriously Merlin I’m not a fool I know you’re not a Dragon Lord. We say the last Dragon Lord die

Merlin:.. yeah about that.. Ballinor was actually my father

Arthur: …

Merlin: when he died I inherited the Dragon Lord gift

Arthur: …

Arthur: since WHEN? And you’re just now telling me? That was years ago Merlin! Why wouldn’t you tell me something this important??

Merlin: well your father sorta killed all the Dragon Lords so excuse me for not wanting to publicly announce it when I became one

Arthur: well you could have at least told me

Merlin: yeah cause you’re acting totally normal about it

*Merlin and Arthur continue to bicker about this*

Kilgharrah: *I can’t believe these two fools are the ones to unite Albion*