Crossguard
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A sword 's crossguard, or cross-guard, is a bar between the blade and hilt intended to protect the wielder's hand and fingers from opponents' weapons, as well as from sliding onto their own blade. Eac
Closeup of a sword, with a box highlighting the crossguard area
Knightly sword
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In the European High Middle Ages, the typical sword was a straight, double-edged weapon with a single-handed, cruciform hilt and a blade length of about 70 to 80 centimetres. This type is frequently d
Sword, dated c. 1250–1330, British Museum
Great Seal of Henry II of England, showing the king as an armed horseman, c. 1154.
Detail of a sword being drawn from its scabbard, Morgan Bible fol. 28v, c. 1250.
Soldiers in mail armour with swords, German miniature of the Massacre of the Innocents, c. 1250.