myArmoury.com

Michael Eging · Posted: Mon 02 Nov, 2009 7:18 am Post subject:

In 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottomans, Emperor Constantine XI may have been carrying a paramerion as depicted in this statue. In the 1830's, when an envoy came to the court of Nicholas of Russia, he bore with him a sword that he claimed belonged to Constantine XI, which he gave to the Tsar. The following link, on page 24, includes a picture of the blade of that sword as well as some interesting background.

http://books.google.com/books?id=9yGRZTZhlDQC...mp;f=false

Does anyone have a better picture of this sword?

D Vranas · Posted: Mon 02 Nov, 2009 12:39 pm Post subject:

D Vranas · Posted: Mon 02 Nov, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

I don't think the emperor wore this armor.
It looks quiet anachronistic-like a 11th cent armor.

I think it would be more possible for him to wear an italian full plate.

Michael Eging · Posted: Mon 02 Nov, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

I am not completely sure what armor he might have worn, but agree that this is a stylized statue. But my curiosity is with the sword that either he used, or later became associated with his legend when it was given to the Tsar. I would really like to see the entire blade if there are some pictures of it.

Cool

Maurizio D'Angelo · Posted: Mon 02 Nov, 2009 5:49 pm Post subject:

'Then the prince, worthy of immortality, took off his imperial regalia and threw them away, and as if it were a private individual, with sword in hand, jumped into the fray. Not to die while fighting valiantly unavenged, was eventually killed and confused his body in the ruins of a royal city and the fall of his kingdom. "*

Michael Eging · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 8:43 am Post subject:

Maurizio, have a look at page 24 of the linked text in my post. There is a piece of the blade that is attached to the legend of Constantine. It would be interesting if there is a full length shot of the weapon someplace. The etching on the blade is really incredible and I would like to see the whole piece.

Enclosed with the post is a shot of the sword attributed to Constantine's foe, Mehmet.

Michael Eging · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 10:03 am Post subject:

Here is a picture of Mehmet's sword, again. Again, while my question is on a better picture of Constantine XI's sword, I thought this might be of interest here.

Maurizio D'Angelo · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 11:10 am Post subject:

Michael Eging · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 11:24 am Post subject:

Maurizio D'Angelo · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 3:25 pm Post subject:

Sword on the left belonged to Suleiman the Magnificent.
The sword on the right is mentioned by David Nicolle-Constantinople 1453 - pag. 24, probably of Constantine VI.

Comes from Istanbul, master greek. Name unknown.
Measurements of this sword are:
total length 966 mm.
Blade length 825 mm.
blade width 33 mm.
Weight 570 g.
Lett Ruffini - 1931

Blade very curved, black damask of Istanbul. Enlarged toward the tip. Only on the right, the blade is decorated in gold, precious stones, 6 red, a Madonna with child, two angels holding a crown with three red stones. A writing in greek all in gold.
On the left a little fuller, to the medium.
Was brought to Turin from Ronualdo Tecco in the service of Charles Albert.
It is certain that belonged to Constantin Brancoveanu, Prince of Valdacchia and Moldova. 1688-1714
This blade has been re-hilt and used later in turkish environment.
Lionello Boccia - Armeria Reale di Torino - P. 307-405
For this author that I respect very much, it is unlikely that belonged to Constantine XI.
I hope this helps.
Ciao
Maurizio

Michael Eging · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

So, is the story of the sword of Constantine XI being transmitted to Russian during the reign of Nicholas nothing more than legend? This is a gorgeous blade and the etchings are really incredible.

Maurizio D'Angelo · Posted: Tue 03 Nov, 2009 3:43 pm Post subject:

Michael Eging · Posted: Thu 05 Nov, 2009 8:28 am Post subject: