Swords of stage and screen 

'Kingdom of Heaven' stunt sword (IX.5634)

Intended for use by Liam Neeson and Orlando Bloom during the filming of the Ridley Scott Crusades epic 'Kingdom of Heaven' (2005). The Ibelin sword was made at the film's special effects (SFX) workshop by Academy Award and BAFTA winner Neil Corbould. The design was provided by renowned film armourer Simon Atherton whose combined film credits include 'Braveheart' (1995), 'Gladiator' (2000) and 'Robin Hood' (2010).

The hollow blade is made from aluminium to give the sword a lightweight feel and to enable a spring-loaded inner blade to retract inside the outer to give the illusion of delivering a penetrating injury.

An iconic piece, it was designed to be used at various points throughout the film when the sword is thrust in the direction of another character. In the film, the Ibelin sword originally belonged to Godfrey (Neeson) who wielded it valiantly until his death, whereupon it passed to his son Balian (Bloom) who uses it for the rest of the film.

When we consider the prominent use of computer-generated imagery in modern filmmaking, it’s interesting how this very old 'trick' blade technique is still being used today.

Find out more about this sword in our Collection Online record

Durza's sword from 'Eragon' (IX.5643)

This sword from the fantasy adventure film 'Eragon' (2006) was also designed by Simon Atherton, but unlike the Ibelin sword, it is a hero sword (not to be used in fight scenes) wielded by Robert Carlyle as 'Durza'.

For the inspiration, the designer took a Writhen Hilted sword, in the collection of the Royal Armouries which is Northern European (German) and dates from about 1480 and bears similar gilt alloy mounts, including a collar of gilt bronze on the grip of the hilt. The wooden grip itself is of 'writhen' form and again this is reflected in the form of the movie sword's grip.

Perhaps the most obvious inspiration is in the form of the gilt copper alloy pommel and cross-guard which have been cast and chiselled to appear as though made from three rods twisted together. The cross on the movie sword still keeps the twisted effect although it is now a 'furred limb' terminating in a talon and the pommel is in the form of an open claw of four talons.

Find out more about this sword in our Collection Online record

Parrying sword (IX.5609)

Although the Royal Armouries' National Lottery Heritage funded project 'Collecting Cultures' has helped the acquisition of swords from film and stage for the national collection of arms and armour, precedents for collecting items of this nature do exist. For example, this parrying sword.

It was made for theatrical use and and was previously owned by fight director Henry Marshall, who was a founding member of the British Academy of Dramatic Combat which provides training in stage combat and certification for actors, teachers and examiners.

This rapier may possibly have been made by renowned stage USA combat weapon maker, Lewis Shaw.

Find out more about this sword in our Collection Online record

Parrying dagger (X.1789)

Acquired alongside the parrying sword was the parrying dagger, which was also made for theatrical use and was previously owned by the fight director, Henry Marshall. 

This dagger may possibly have been made by renowned stage USA combat weapons maker Lewis Shaw. 

Find out more about this dagger in our Collection Online record