BARBAROSSA SWORD Silver Edition 566Marto
The Marto 566 sword commemorates Frederick the I "Barbarossa" who was one of the 3 Crusader kings who lead his army into Jerusalem as part of the Third Crusade. (1187-1191). Crafted by Marto of Toledo Spain, the Barbossa Sword 566 measures a little over 44 inches overall and features an elaborately detailed zamak hilt of astonishing architecture. The guard displays winged creatures resembling winged jackals guarding a Monogram of Christ (the Chi Rho) combined with Alpha and Omega within a circle. Swirling dragon tail knotwork relief form drop outs in the metal of the antiqued silver guard. Two full dimensional winged lions sit at the base of the matching pommel which continues the knotwork motif and metal cut outs. Atop the large silver pommel, two kneeling knights in full armour rest back to back, with swords and shields lowered. The grip is of black leather bands divided by gold plated spacers sculpted with ivy, palm, floral patterns.
The blade is mirror polished, and features a golden etch of haloed figures and beasts bearing the Holy scriptures; a Lamb of God resting upon the Bible, an Angel holding the scriptures, an Eagle grasping the Bible with his talons, a Winged Lion and Winged Horse both in possession of the Holy text, each surrounded in swirling scroll art. The low maintenance safe-edged stainless steel blade is constructed of 440 Toledo Steel which has been fully tempered for strength and flexibility.
Each Barbarossa sword is blade stamped with Marto Toledo Seals of authenticity and comes boxed with Marto certificates of Origin and Quality. Exemplary of Marto’s world-renown quality, this mighty word is a beautiful addition to any sword enthusiast’s collection.
MARTO of Toledo Spain The most popular sword maker in the world. The hilts are cast in molten metal from an original masterfully sculpted piece and are hand finished and polished. The blades are crafted from the finest 440 stainless steel and are fully tempered to 48-53 Rockwell hardness.
Frederick I "Barbarossa" The Third Crusade started in the year 1189, and finished in the year 1191. At the beginning of this crusade the Christians passions were enflamed at the loss of Jerusalem. The first leader of the first army in this 3rd crusade was Frederick I (Federico Barbarossa) of Germany, and of course his army was all composed of German Crusaders. This was the largest army during all the Crusades, which imposed great fear on the Turk, Moslem army of Palestine. But after the drowning of Frederick I of Germany his gigantic army disintegrated.
Though some German Crusaders remained to do battle in honor their departed chief, they made little impact to their cause. The army became greatly reduced, and only a small amount of German Crusaders actually reached the Holy Land.
A year after Frederick's death, a new army was sent to the Holy Land to defeat the Turks. But, this time there were two leaders; Philip Augustus of France, and Richard I of England, who soon after was named Richard the Lion Hearted.