Duster - Derick, Size S/M

Despite innovations both technological and cultural, the human race in Europe was very nearly wiped out during the 14th century by a disease we now call the bubonic plague. Beginning in the 1340’s were decades of death by one of the most virulent diseases in history – one that would kill between 75 and 200 million people before it had run its course in the early 15th century. The death rate in Europe was recently estimated at nearly 45-50%. Carried by diseased rats and spread to humans via fleas, it was a remarkably infectious and deadly disease, killing most victims within a week of infection. It was also an almost unimaginably painful way to die, as victims suffered with agonizing black boils and enormous tumors for days before drowning in infected lungs. These black boils may have led to the plague’s most common nomenclature – The Black Death. To Europe’s inhabitants, it seemed like the end of days – and it almost was. It was also a crisis of faith on an unbelievable scale that changed the course of Europe’s culture forever. For centuries afterward The Black Death had a lasting impact on culture, drawing out morbidity and mortality as primary themes in art and architecture. Stark lines, images of deep sorrow, even specters of death grew to prominence during this period as Europe struggled to cope with a tragedy on such an epic scale. These themes spread across the continent and established themselves as primary features in many cities. Paris was one such city, embracing gothic architecture and letting the suffering of the Black Death seep into its marrow in a way that never quite left. Indeed, one of the first examples of the Danse Macabre (a classical image of Gothic morbidity) appeared in Paris at the Church of the Holy Innocents less than twenty years after the last resurgence of the plague in Europe. It should be no surprise, then, that when faced with a public health crisis even centuries after the plague itself that they allowed a solution to blossom that was gothic on a truly inspired level. During the 18th century Paris was running out of room for graveyards, and the health issues caused by so many burials within their walls – especially the smell – that a solution had to be found. City officials decreed that graveyards would be emptied, and the remains were sent to a network of caves, quarries, and tunnels twisting and turning for hundreds of miles beneath the city. From this decision was born the Paris Catacombs. Within the Catacombs lie the remains of an estimated 6 million people, most of them skeletal. Unlike traditional burial grounds, though, the bones removed to the Paris Catacombs Catacombs_of_Paris,inspiration for black death medieval swordwere arranged with an eye towards Gothic sensibilities – as macabre a scene as you could ever find in all of Europe. Miles of tunnels are lines with artistically arranged skulls and bones combines with crosses and other religious iconography, creating a grim yet beautiful reminder of mortality. Currently the Paris Catacombs are a tourist attraction, though not one without risks – there are long portions that are off-limits and unmapped, and modern Parisians have gotten lost while exploring, and died alone in the darkness. The Black Death Gothic Sword was inspired by a journey through the Paris catacombs by Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azerad in April 2013. A classical 15th Century type XVIIIa longsword blade has been paired with inspirational guard and pommel to create a unique concept piece. The guard and pommel have been given a dark, almost sinister appearance to fit in with the overall theme of sorrow and death. The Black Death Gothic Sword is an exceptional take on the Gothic-era swords, and would fit as a historically-inspired collector’s piece or as a weapon for cosplaying someone from Gothic-inspired fiction, such as a vampire hunter. In either case, we hope this sword will communicate the sense of fleeting mortality that inspired it.Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core Total length: 51″ Blade length: 38.5″ Blade width: 2″ Weight: 4lbs. 1oz. Please note: The sword will be delivered only with the scabbard, the "matching belt" is not included but can be ordered for an extra charge.

Beautifully decorated velveteen doublet. In the style of the Tudor era, made of cotton velveteen with decorative sleeves and cuffs in shimmering leather look. Fully lined in shimmering black satin. A regal dazzle for all!This elegant doublet is made of soft, top quality black velveteen. Artfully braided trim comprises decoration fit for a king and brings the fine quality of the velveteen into relief. Shimmering leather panels provide extra sheen from the collar down through the buttons, sleeves and wide dagges. All of the buttons have been covered with leather, contributing to an overall aesthetic harmony. Lined with smooth, black satin, the interior of the royal velveteen doublet makes wearing it that much more pleasurable. Thanks to its elegant cut and noble interplay of fabric and decoration, this black doublet cuts a stunning figure in any state room. Material 70% cotton, 30% polyester; padding: 100% polyester Click here for the Clothing & Hats Sizing Charts.

This floor display stand consists of a spiral iron rod, which ends in a guide bar for sword with a maximum blade width of 6 cm. With the aid of this stand you can display your sword decoratively wherever you wish. The floor base is made of black wood. The height is about 70 cm.

This wicked knife's hilt is cast metal and the deadly blade is blackened to a deep black lustre and nicely balanced. Details: Total length: 19 1/2" Blade length: 13 1/4" Blade width: 1 1/2 " Blade thickness: 3/16" Weight: 1 lbs.

Like the Roman soldiers of ancient times exploring the unknown reaches you may find yourself at the end of time on expedition to an abysmal, undiscovered country. Like them the only means of survival may be your wits and the blade in your hand. In homage of those brave centurions (past and future) CAS gives you the A.P.O.C. Wasteland Gladius in the continuation of our A.P.O.C. Series of weapons. Containing all the expected features of the swords in the series, our Wasteland Gladius design arises from the larger gladius designs featuring a pronounced “wasp-waist” or “leaf blade” curvature. Along the 21 3/8” blade edge it gives you different angles for different tasks needed on the desolate wastes. The blade flares out from 1 3/8” to 2” creating a brutal chopping cutter and a powerful piercing point or whichever you need. The pommel of the handle doubles as skull cracker, glass breaker for whatever needs bashing or breaking. The 9 ½” handle allows for easy single-hand or two-hand sword use making the Wasteland Gladius probably the most versatile swords in the series. The black textured fiberglass sheaths are fitted to a Molle compatible kydex platform that allows you to secure your swords to belt or pack in multiple carry positions. For belt or sling carry setups the platform has four slots 1 3/8" long and 1/8" wide. A notch in the handle and the platform allows for stealth unsheathing as well as locking the sword securely for inverted maneuvers. No preparations for the end times are complete without an A.P.O.C. tactical sword for when the bullets run out, the knives are too short and your life is on the line. Key Features: 21 3/8" black oxide coated 9260 spring steel blade Full tang, triple riveted G10 handle Light fiberglass scabbard with Molle compatible platform Specifications: Overall: 33" Blade Length: 21 3/8" Handle Length: 9" Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz Point of Balance: 3" Thickness at Guard: 5.9mm Blade Steel: 9260 Handle Material: G10 Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.