Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Swords)

 It seems strangely appropriate as we consider the volatile times we have recently come through facing the Arcwhite Crisis to discuss the quintessential weapon of history, the sword. Swords may in some respect fall in the "trinkets" category as far as modern practical application is concerned but for Royalty, they serve as with most other Royal trinkets as a symbol and in this case a very direct one, that of power.The symbolic value of a sword comes from its obvious practical design intent, as a weapon. As such, as part of Crown Jewel Collections in Europa, swords serve as the symbol of the monarch's or monarchy's power. Also the aspect of it being used in in times gone by serves as a link to history and often to foundational battles and wars that may have served in the founding of countries. Therefor a sword may often be the very one used by a revered figure from history on a real battlefield.

The surprising discovery of the Reichenthal Vault earlier this year restored many secretly hidden artifacts once thought lost from history to the public. Let us begin our topic discussion with one famous sword in particular that came to light in that most extraordinary find.

The Kingdom of  Hispania has long bemoaned the supposed loss of the Sword of the Lion Heart which disappeared somewhere in the 18th century during the Franconian revolution and its tumultuous effect on the Hispanian history. Some say it was stolen by revolutionary troops who were attempting to have the Franconian revolution spill over into Hispania but now it seems that it was hidden away and forgotten.

Whatever the facts are, the sword has returned to Hispania and now forms part of its Crown Jewel Collection again.

Knighthood is a very formal and history laden ceremony that always requires a sword. It stems from the middle ages where an existing knight would dub his faithful squire on the shoulder with his sword to raise that servant to the ranks of knighthood.

The tradition of "dubbing" a knight during the investment ceremony requires an actual sword. The sword does not have to be a specific one but some Knighthood Orders have over the centuries acquired one attached to the specific order. In the former Empire of Scot-Britania, now the two separate countries of Scotney and Britania, the particular sword was destroyed during the 1996 Revolution. Today, the ceremonial Head of the Order of the Diamond Star, the Crown Prince Imperial, uses this new replica sword for bestowing knighthoods as in the preceding picture.

In this 2014 State Portrait of Duke of Swann, we see His Royal Highness with a rapier sword in hand.

This 18th century Taza Rapier is the Duke of Swann's favourite as it is the very style of sword that evolved into the modern sport of fencing that the Duke is an ardent fan of and participator in. This specific sword has been in the Swann collection since it was first won in a duel by an an ancestor of Prince Daniel.

The most famous and revered sword in all of Europa is the Sword of St. Victor. It has seen actual war and survived the 1996 Revolution. It form part of the spectacularly valuable and historic Imperial Crown Jewel Collection and has returned to its native soil along with its owner and custodian, the Crown Prince Imperial. Without receiving any media mention this powerful symbol was displayed at the Crown Prince Imperial's first official public appearance in 2009. Many thought it was lost along with the Crown Jewels but prudence and saw EmpressCrystobel save it along with many other art treasures and her own son from the destruction of the 1996 Revolution. It was kept safely hidden for almost two decades and now history is better off for it. 

The sword was a gift from the Mithrandir to the young King Victor of Britania, second cousin and only heir of the evil King Dagobert of Britania who's ill treatment of Arcwhite led to their insurrection and eventual independence. It was said to have been made by the legendary blacksmith monks of Obsidian Island and imbued with prayers for peace. It is also said that this sword, although seeing many battles, has never killed a single person but won its fights through skill bringing an enemy into submission rather than death. 

The starkly elegant yet clearly sharp and dangerous Sword of St. Victor is an impressive sight but is also imbued with history and symbolizes the unity between Scotney and Britania. At a later stage it was gifted from the King of Britania to that of Scotney. It was then subsequently used in wars against Britania but reverted back to Britania after defeats and then eventually bestowed again as a sign of piece and eventually became the Imperial Coronation Sword.

It is often said that words cut deeper than a blade and that the tongue is mightier than the sword. It seems that as far as Royal symbols go, the sword will always be used to declare a countries intent to honour or dishonour, save or ravage, be gracious or worthy of a clash of blades.

Wonderful Weekends (2014 State Portraits of the Duke of Swann)

The Duke of Swann has released his firs official State Portraits in years. We are posting them here on our usual Wonderful Weekends slot.

His Royal Highness chose to pose in the courtyard of Duke's Court Palace, the official residence of the Dukes of Swann. The Dodecahedron  Sculpture that was recently discovered in the Reichenthal Vault has been permanently placed here and can be seen behind Prince Daniel. The portrait sees the Duke wearing his coronation uniform, the Swann House Order and wielding the Royal Swann Rapier. 

The close up portrait shows the details of the House Order's sash and chain. That concludes our coverage of the 2014 State Portraits of the Duke of Swann. 

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Sorgenfrei Armoury)

Today's Tiaras and Trinkets Tuesday takes a distinctly masculine turn by posting on armour and swords rather than jewellery. These are obviously as linked to Royalty as Crowns and Tiaras but shows the more manly and governmental side of the picture. The only difference is that historic jewels are still worn today where many of these articles have not been worn for centuries. 

Sorgenfrei Castle Museum already displays the Imperial Crown jewels and it also has a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the region of Muren. Now the Castle Museum will open its new Armoury as a permanent exhibit. 

The Armoury Room in Sorgenfrei Castle aims to be one of the main attractions to tourists and history scholars alike. The large venue will also be able to be rearranged for special functions that might require a more medieval feel. 

The center of the main wall is dedicated to the armour of King Charles the IX of Franconia who was the only invader to successfully subdue Muren in the Middle Ages but his occupation lasted no longer than 6 months. The armour is on special loan for the opening exhibit from the Franconian Museum of History. 

His Imperial Highness, The Crown Prince Imperial, Prince Christian-Victor stands amongst the many suits of armour on display. These did not all belong to famous historic figures but some just exemplify the style and craftsmanship of a particular era. Many of the Royal Dynasties are also represented by their heraldic insignia or crests depicted on actual shields on the walls of the Armoury. 

The entire display however does have a pre-eminent piece that serves as the focal point. The Imperial Sword of St Victor has the prime spot right in the center of the room. Originally the sword belonged to the legendary King Victor of Britania and was declared the official ceremonial sword of the Empire. As such it is officially part of the Crown Jewels of the United Empire of Scot-Britania.

The starkly elegant yet clearly sharp and dangerous Sword of St. Victor is an impressive sight but is also imbued with history and symbolises the unity between Scotney and Britania as it was a gift from the King of Scotney to that of Britania. It was then subsequently used in wars against Scotney but reverted back to Scotney after defeats and then eventually bestowed again as a sign of piece and eventually became the Imperial Coronation Sword.

It is announced also officially that this year's Annual Knights Gathering will take place at Sorgenfrei Castle late in June 2013. The Crown Prince Imperial also announced his delight and excitement at receiving the Duke of Swann and his Rolls Royce within the next few weeks. The car is planned to become a big attraction at the museum and will be on loan to couples getting married at the castle.