Circa 1100-1300 AD. An iron sword with parallel double-edged blade of lenticular section, decorated with an inlaid gold star. A rounded tapering tip, slightly enlarged at the forte, an iron hilt with ring quillons, strongly curved downwards, quadrangular shallow pommel in iron. The Crusades (1096-1272 AD) were a series of significant military actions in the Near East fought between the Christian and Saracen armies with the original goal of capturing Jerusalem. The crusades led to the formation of important military orders such as the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller and Teutonic Knights. Richard the Lionheart was the most famous of the crusading kings. For similar see Reichsstadtmuseum Rothenberg Museum, Germany for various types with stars. Size: L:1100mm / W:150mm ; 1kg. Provenance: Acquired on the Swiss art market in the early 20th century; property of a London gentleman.