The Sword of King Ferdinand II

By Crusader1307

The Emperor of The Holy Roman Empire used a ceremonial blade in line with his Spanish heritage. A typical "Cid" sword with highly stylized handle and hilt - it was 37 inches long. A double-edged blade, it was part "battle sword" part State sword. It's engraved pommel has the following inscriptions (in Latin) "War is Ever My Desire" and "Peace With Me I Never See". This is unusual for most Spanish blades had their engraving carved into the blade itself. The sword was passed down from ruler to ruler from the 14th Century until 1625, when the sword mysteriously disappeared. A "replica" was made that same year to replace it (as the story goes). Nonetheless, the sword is a fine example of Spanish steel.