The Castle Court

Medieval Wedding Chalices and Goblets

2010-02-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

The ultimate day of love occurs Sunday, February 14. Many marriage proposals will be offered on this memorial love day.

Brides and grooms in the Medieval age offered toasts to each other. Glass was not a prominent material during this time, but fine silver, pewter and gold made beautiful chalices and goblets. The bridal couple used these to celebrate their union.

TheCastleCourt is proud to offer Alchemy of England's fine selection of Medieval drinking ware. We have the Glastonbury cup, the Plantaganet wine glass and the Chalisbury grail as well as all the other fine drinking vessels of the Alchemy line.

We are offering the elegant metal goblets at a 20% discount. If you find your Alchemy toasting cup at a better price than what we offer, we will match the price.

Your wedding day will be the beginning of your life together. You will toast each other for years to come; why not start out with the finest?

Roman Costumes and Armor

2009-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

TheCastleCourt has reduced prices on Roman swords, costumes and armor by 20%. If you order now, you will be all set for your next reenactment or costuming even. Take advantage of the pricing while quantities last. The Roman Legionnaire is a popular Halloween costume and very often we sell out before Halloween.

We also have also have a good selection of other historical costumes available. We have excellent prices on Japanese, Viking, Scottish, Celtic and Renaissance costumes, armor and helmets.

Drop by our castle today.

Cold Steel Swords at Great Price

2009-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

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TheCastleCourt has recently added a number of Cold Steel swords to our product line. We have an excellent selection of Cold Steel Medieval swords as well as Japanese and Chinese Cold Steel blades.
We have marked these swords down to an unheard of price.

Also, please stop by our castle and register for the William Marshall practice sword we are giving away on July, 4, 2009. Shop us today for some excellent values.

Rapier Swords Sale

2009-04-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

TheCastleCourt is running a sale on all rapier swords and main gauche. The sale will run until further notice.

Also, the winner of the Knight's Templar sword is from California. We will be mailing the sword sometime this week. Congratulations!

We will be giving away another sword July 4, 2009. This sword will be the CAS/Hanwei William Marshall sword. This sword is a replica of the one carried by one of the greatest knights of all time. He was the captain of the guards for three of the Plantaganet Kings, Henry II, Richard I, and John.

Stop by the website today, and see what's new and register to win the sword.

Celtic and Scottish Weapons and Costumes

2009-03-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

There is a saying that we are all Irish in heart. In celebration of the ancient Celtic holiday, TheCastleCourt is offering all Celtic and Scottish products at a 20% discount. During the next few days, we plan to add some new Celtic costumes and jewelry.

We are also still planning to give away another Knights Templar Sword during April, so when you stop by, don't forget to register. Once your name is in the pot, you will remain eligible for all our giveaways. During the month of July we plan to give away a Hanwei practical sword.

Another Free Sword

2009-02-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

TheCastleCourt will give away another Knights Templar sword during the month of April. The sword that was given away on February 14 was won by a person from Louisiana. We will continue to give away swords and armor and plan to give away a CAS/Hanwei Practical Sword sometime in the summer.

We are continuing to offer our custom-made armor with free shipping. We have added some additional breastplates to our selection.

We have not increased our shipping costs although Fed-ex and UPS have gone up by 6%. We will maintain our low rates as long as we can.

Free

2009-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Do You Want A Free Sword?

2009-02-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

TheCasleCourt is givng away a Knights Templar Sword on February 14, 2009. If you fill out the registration by 6:00 P.M. your entry will be eligible for the drawing. There is no obligation in registering for the sword, and you will not be bombarded by spam from us. Click here to place your entry in the drawing.

To help you continue with your collecting, reenacting or gaming experience in these difficult times, we have searched to find quality products to add to our Cheap But Chic category. We have added several swords that are excellent replicas of Medieval and Renaissance styles. Naturally the stainless steel blades are not battle ready, but they certainly appear very realistic and are ideal for costuming. We have also added some very nice Fantasy swords to the mix.

Sale on Crusader Swords, Shields and Clothing

2009-01-25T19:13:00.000-08:00

The CastleCourt is having a sale on all Crusader Swords, Shields and Clothing. All the Crusader products have been reduced by at least 20%.

We will also be giving away a Knights Templar Sword with registration for this free sword starting on Tuesday, January 26th. The drawing for the sword will be February 14. Drop by and register. There is no obligation or purchase required. Perhaps you can give yourself or your knight or lady a beautiful collectible sword for Valentines day.

We at TheCastleCourt realize that during this difficult period, hobby products are not the first choice for your hard earned money. We are attempting to keep our prices low so you do not have to give up your reenactment event or collectible experience. I think you will find we have some of the best prices on the web.

LARP Weapons

2009-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Windlass is introducing for the first time an entire line of LARP weapons, armor, shields and helmets made from their own latex rubber featuring titanium in the mix for durability & amazing looks and our unique polyurethane material for armor and shields that is so tough they deflected arrows (NOT recommended, it was for testing only). TheCastleCourt is very pleased to be able to offer this outstanding line of products to our customers.

Great looking (the armor looks like real metal), entirely safe, super light, very durable (really, swing as hard as you want these held up better than many real weapons!) and extremely affordable--the retail price will be $35-$75. Perfect for Live Action Role Play, theater & stage, schools, dojos, kids, teachers or anyone interested in having a little fun with history and fantasy.

The first LARP weapons will be available at TheCastleCourt website by Monday, January 5.

Windlass will be coming out with full lines of historical and fantasy starting with the historical weapons which include one-hand swords, two-hand swords, axes, maces, daggers and hammers. Following through the year will be armor, helmets and shields.

CAS/Hanwei Michael "Tinker" Pearce Swords

2008-12-31T07:43:00.000-08:00

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TheCastleCourt has a selection of the CAS/Hanwei "Tinker" Swords in stock--the Longsword, the blunt as well as the sharp, the Bastard Sword, both blunt and sharp and the Medieval, blunt and sharp. We are selling these finely balanced swords at a 15% discount until further notice.

If you are a Medieval sword enthusiast, you might be interested in Michael's book, The Medieval Sword in the Modern World. On his website there is great information on European Martial Arts.

CAS Hanwei Tinker Swords

2008-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

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TheCastleCourt now has in stock the CAS Hanwei Tinker Longsword, the Bastard Sword and the Medieval Sword. We are offering these swords at a 15% discount. If you mention our blog in an email, we will send you a free gift. The gifts are quality items, such as pewter Roman, Viking and Egyptian soldiers as well as World War II soldiers.

Drop by our castle today, and remember on any order if you mention that you have read our blog, you will receive a free gift.

Free Stocking Stuffers With Order

2008-11-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

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TheCastleCourt is offering free stocking stuffers for orders over $50.00. These items have a retail value of $7.50 to $30.00. If you order from us, you will be sent freebies such as sword letter openers, pewter sets of Egyptian, Roman or Viking soldiers. Also, we have sets of pewter World War II warriors. We also are giving away replica Roman coins and jewelry. If you send us an email with your order, we will try to comply with your requested item.

In addition to the free stocking stuffers, we have drastically reduced our prices on battle ready swords, collectible swords, knives and daggers, battle helmets, battle and decorative shields, and wearable armor. Drop by today and order your Christmas and holiday gifts and receive a very nice collectible stocking stuffer.

TheCastleCourt-Sale Gothic and Maximillian Armor

2008-11-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season TheCastleCourt will be featuring famous replica armors at an unheard of price. This low price also includes shipping.

The Maximillian Armor and Gothic Armor were popular during the Renaissance. Emperor Maximillian has often been referred to as the last knight. The Gothic armor was very ornate and was worn by knights throughout Europe.

Check out our great prices on these great armor pieces.

TheCastleCourt Sale on Charlemagne Swords and Shields

2008-11-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

TheCastleCourt is running a special sale on collectible Charlemagne swords and collectible shields. Charlemagne came to power in 768. At that time he was the most powerful man in Europe. He conqueored the Saxons and the Lombards.

CAS/Hanwei has produced an one of the most outstanding replica swords of this era. The CAS/Hanwei Charlemagne sabre is a replica of the sword used at the time of his coronation as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. TheCastleCourt is featuring this sword at a savings of 15%. Drop by our castle today and add this magnificent collectible sword to your arsenal.

If you are interested in more information on Charlemagne, the most powerful man in early Medieval Europe, there is an interesting article at MedievalWeaponInfo.com.

Medieval Shield Sale

2008-11-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Medieval Shield Sale

At TheCastleCourt we have reduced the prices on Medieval shields drastically. If you find a better price, we will match that price.

Some of these Medieval shields are discontinued and will never be produced again. The CAS/Hanwei Rob Roy targe is one of the dropped products. We have two left and have priced them at the rock bottom price. Also, a popular discontinued Medieval shield is the Plantaganet rampant lion shield. Both of these historical replica shields would look terrific in a your den or in your hand at your next reenactment event or save them and sell them at a higher price later.

Our store also has the best price on the popular 300 Spartan shield. Eventually the production will cease and buying this movie replica will be impossible.

Stop by our castle today, and pick up one of these cheap but chic Medieval shields. Also, visit our educational blog; we have some great Medieval information that is very relevant for fans of the time of knights and kings.

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Michael "Tinker" Smith Longsword-Special

2008-10-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

TheCastleCourt is pleased to announce that we are running a very special price on the Tinker longswords, both the blunt and the sharp. These are the swords that have been so long anticipated from CAS/Hanwei. Mr. Smith is world renown for his knowledge of the medieval sword. Following is the review of the Longsword by Sean Hayes, one of the best instructors in the world on sword technique.

"I had the opportunity to handle the prototype Tinker Pearce Line Longswords by CAS/Hanwei, and they are beautiful, well-balanced, quick-handling swords at an excellent price. The sharp and blunt versions handle almost identically in cuts, thrusts, and quick posta (guard) transitions. These promise to be the mid-priced training weapon of choice for longsword studies."

Sean Hayes, Maestro d`armi, Northwest Fencing Academy and University of Oregon

CAS Hanwei Discontinued Products

2008-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

CAS Hanwei is discontinuing some of its popular items, and this will be your last chance to purchase these. TheCastleCourt still has a limited supply of these products in stock.

They are discontinuing all of their Japanese full suits of armour with the exception of the Daisy Armour. We still have the outstanding Japanese Dragon armour in stock. Once it is gone we will never see this striking armour again. If you would like to have this piece, now is the time.

Also the CAS Hanwei battle ready Roman sword or gladius is discontinued. The CastleCourt still has a limited number of these swords in stock.

Perhaps the most striking helmets ever produced by CAS Hanwei is also to be discontinued. The replica Sutton Hoo helmet will no longer be available.

Halloween Costumes and Traditions

2008-09-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

All Hallows’s Eve is upon us. Halloween has a rich history from the ancient Celts and Druids to Rome. Whatever its history, it is one of our most colorful and celebrated festivals.

Some trace the history of Halloween back to the Celtic people of pre-medieval Europe. The Celts divided the year into halves, the “light half” consisting of spring and summer. The “dark half” comprised fall and winter. Celts celebrated the light half with the festival of “Samhain” (pronounced sah-wen), which they observed during the October/November lunar cycle. Following the Roman conquest of Britain, the Celts adopted the Julian calendar and celebrated Samhain on November l.

Other historians believe the origin of Halloween resulted from the tradition of celebrating the lives of Christian martyrs on the date of their deaths. Pope Boniface in May 13, 609 established one day of remembrance for the martyrs. Pope Gregory later changed the date of remembrance to November 1 and he deemed it all saints day. The night before was known as All Hallows’s Eve (“Halloween” being a colloquial contraction of that phrase). Costumes and gifts and bobbing for apples became part of this new holiday. They remain to this day.

If you haven’t planned your costume for this year’s holiday, TheCastleCourt has a terrific selection of unique duds. Why not don the apparel of the 300 Spartan warriors. We have the cape, the armor, the sandals, the briefs and the sword in stock. A Roman soldier would be an exciting choice for a costume. Proper dress for a Roman centurion would be the plumed battle helmet, the lorica segmentata armor and the sandals. How about attending the party as a crusader, Henry VIII or a Knight Templar. TheCastleCourt also has these costumes in stock.

We have an excellent selection of historical clothes, armor, boots, swords and shields that will transform you for this colorful day. Don’t wait too long to select your costume as the demand is always strong at this time of year.

Our prices are right and we have not raised shipping costs. Take me to the website!

Hanwei Tinker Pearce Longswords

2008-08-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

TheCastleCourt has a small selection of the long anticipated Hanwei Tinker Pearce longswords. Here is what experts are saying about this sword "I had the opportunity to handle the prototype Tinker Pearce Line Longswords by CAS/Hanwei, and they are beautiful, well-balanced, quick-handling swords at an excellent price. The sharp and blunt versions handle almost identically in cuts, thrusts, and quick posta (guard) transitions. These promise to be the mid-priced training weapon of choice for longsword studies."

Sean Hayes, Maestro d`armi, Northwest Fencing Academy and University of Oregon

Order yours today before it is on backorder.

William Marshall-Medieval Knight and General

2008-08-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

William Marshall, a landless noble, was one of the bravest and most accomplished military men of Medieval Europe. He served three Plantagenet kings, Henry II, Richard I (Lionheart) and John.

William was one of the greatest champions of the joust, a game which consisted of a clash between two knights on horseback. The champions of these Medieval competitions are comparable to famous athletes of modern times. He won twelve horses and three hundred knights held for ransom in one season. He established himself early as the best at this competition.

He not only excelled at the joust, but was a brave warrior again his country’s enemies. He first came to the attention of the Plantagenets by saving Queen Eleanor, Henry II’s wife, from capture to be held for ramsom. His fierce fighting allowed the Queen to escape, but William was captured. Queen Eleanor not only paid his ransom, but rewarded him with horses, gold and fine clothes. From this point forward the Plantagenet castles were open to him. His first assignment was the tutoring of Henry’s sons, Henry, Richard, Geoffrey and John in the art of warfare and swordsmanship.

He served Henry II as an advisor and general of his army. He was loyal to the King until the very end. At the time of the King’s death Richard was involved in a rebellion with the French against his father. William Marshall confronted Richard on the road and could have killed him, but instead he told Richard, “I will not kill you; I will leave that to God” and with that he thrust a spear into Richard’s horse. Shortly after this event the Henry II died.

Richard was now the King of England. One of his first acts as King was to summon William Marshall. Although they were in confrontation before Henry’s death, Richard knew how valuable William Marshall would be to this kingdom. He bestowed on Marshall a major castle and kept him as his primary advisor. After Richard Lionheart was crowned King, he immediately left for the Third Crusade. William Marshall was left to hold the kingdom together. He did a marvelous job in the face of John, Richard’s brother, attempt to usurp the throne. William stood by Richard’s side until the King was killed in a frivolous encounter in 1199.

Richard designated John, the least qualified of Henry’s sons to be king,( according to historians) as heir to the English throne. Again Marshall was there. John had a disastrous reign due to the lands that he lost to the French. Marshall realized that John had no friends among his vassals, so he advised the surrender to the French. William was also instrumental in requiring John to sign the Magna Carta in 1215, the first document of English freedom.

The Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall, died in 1219. He was one of the most chivalrous knights of any age.

At my website, TheCastleCourt, we are featuring the William Marshall battle ready sword for $215.00. This is a huge discount for this sword. Drop by today and take advantage of this special!

Collectible and Hunting Knives Now Available

2008-08-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

The Castle Court has added to its product mix quality knives with Hanwei collectible and functional knives and Muela hunting knives. Visit the New and Notable category to take a look at all our new products. We have the Hanwei Pearl Folder Knife, the dream knife of every collector at $362.00. Suggested retail on this handmade knife is $504.00. Give yourself a gift or Christmas shop early for that avid knife collector.

We would like to reward you for visiting our blog and website. If you mention this blog in an email to us, we will give you a small gift. The reward will not be the Hope Diamond or a piece from the Crown Jewels, but we will present you with a Roman coin keychain or earrings, or other replica Roman coin pieces. At least this is a unique gift that you cannot buy at Walmart.

Any suggestions of products that you would like to see on our website will be taken very seriously. We value your opinions and will reward you for any suggestions that will make us more valuable in your eyes. Stop by TheCastleCourt today

Unique Sales Award Gifts

2008-06-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

We have a customer who presents his best dealers with engraved collectible swords. His latest sword was presented to his dealers who exceeded their quotas by over 25%. He selected the Armadurus William Wallace Sword and had the swords engraved with the successful sales person's initials and the year of presentation. The Wallace sword is an impressive long sword with either brass or silver fittings. We provided the mounting hardware at no cost My customer indicated that he considered this his most successful gift selection, because of the decorative value of the sword for the dealer's office and the replica weapon of William Wallace delivered the message that perserverance and commitment pay awards. William Wallace was a valiant Scotsman who struggled to gain independence for his country against England. In his lifetime he never abandoned that goal, one of the most important traits of a successful leader or business person.
At TheCastleCourt we offer a complete selection of battle ready or collectible swords and shields for all those committed leaders of long ago,such as Richard the Lionheart, William Marshall, Henry V, as well as the Gladius swords of the Roman leaders. We have a replica sword for most of the heroes of the ancient past.
Present the unique gift that always tells a story---a collectible or battle ready sword, helmet or shield.

What's New at TheCastleCourt

2008-06-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for Dad a terrific, unique gift, we have some affordable battle helmets, battle ready and collectible swords that he would certainly appreciate. Also the helmets are a great accent piece for his den or office or our Samurai sword letter opener is eye-catching as well as functional.

We are now offering a lay-away option for those who prefer not to use Paypal or a credit card. The customer has the option of setting up a two to twelve month payment plan.

For those who have signed up for our newsletter, we conducted a drawing for a CAS/Iberia chainmail coif. The winner was from south Florida. Drop by and register for our newsletter and you too will be eligible for some really cool stuff. As for our newsletter, Queen Doodles I of Fresh Air Ridge and all points north, south, east and west, is getting ready to publish her first fact filled article.

Drop by TheCastleCourt.com today and shop for Dad or yourself.

Eric The Red-Viking, Pirate, Explorer and Warrior

2008-03-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

As early as the first century A.D. the Roman historian Tacitus described the ancestors of the Vikings as well armed and skilled at sailing ships. Seven centuries later these warriors pillaged Europe and the British Isles and continental Europe. They were also hungry for rich land as well as plunder. The beauty of Ireland’s green fields drew them like a magnet. During their escapades in this green land, they founded towns, including Dublin.

They worshipped the War God, Odin; the whole Christian world trembled at the mention of the fierce men from the sea.

Scandinavia from when they came prospered with the rich hauls of gold, silver, clothes and livestock taken in the raids. Their exploits were celebrated in the form of sagas, stories passed down from each generation. To go Viking promised a young man glory and fame. They were celebrated with names such as Eric-Blood Axe, Thor-Sword, and Born-headhunter.

One of the sagas that has been passed down through history is the exploits of Eric, the red. Eric and his father, Thorvald, immigrated to Iceland, one of the settlements that the Vikings had established in 860. The two came from Norway reluctantly to the cold land of Iceland. The saga states that they had to leave their native Norway because of “some killings.”

The pair settled on the northwestern peninsula of Hornstradir and barely made a living fishing and hunting for seals. While there they heard stories of a remarkable discovery of a land past Iceland and out into the western sea. Eric never forgot the story.

Due to Eric’s good looks and physical prowess, he was able to marry and move into a less harsh settlement. However, he was not content to put aside his sword and axe for true love and good fortune. He became involved in a blood feud and killed a man. Although the Vikings were often brutal to their enemies, murder was not tolerated in their settlements. The fiery Eric was expelled from Haukadal, his wife’s home.

They moved to Breidjaford. They lived peacefully there for only a short time. Eric had a conflict with his neighbor’s sons, who were grown. During an altercation, Eric killed both. The fiery red head was expelled from Iceland for three years.

Eric dared not return to Norway, so he proceeded to fulfill his dream of find the mysterious land to the west. He put out to sea with 30 companions, both family and neighbors, and an assortment of farm animals. He traveled due west over 450 miles of cold choppy seas before he sighted the world’s largest island. He was very disappointed at his first sighting of the huge mass of ice, stony mountains and snow. He found it hardly fit for beasts. Not willing to accept defeat, he steered the ship further south to determine if any place on the island existed for man.

Suddenly in the distance he saw green at the tip of a crenellated cape (Cape Farewell). The travelers landed and set up a base camp at Eriksey, near the entrance of Eriksfjord. The next three years he spent hunting, fishing, and birding. In the summers he explored further into the interior of the huge island locating fjord after fjord.

After his three year exile, Eric returned with his family to Iceland. Once again the he needed more space than the crowded country afforded him. He fought with his neighbors and was expelled. He decided that he would establish a colony in the land which he discovered. He named the place, Greenland, because he thought a pleasant name would lure settlers.

The red-bearded Viking had no problem recruiting the Iceland natives, because there was a shortage of land and there had been a severe famine. In 986, 25 ships set sail for Greenland, but only 14 ships with 450 people made it to the large island. Some perished at sea and the others returned to Iceland.

They established a settlement at Brattahlid, near the head of the inlet known as Eriksfjord. Eric finally found a haven that settled his restless soul. He presided over his colony, and judged the affairs of his neighbors. He ate and drank hugely in line with his boisterous nature. He was a good husband and father, and raised three sons and a daughter. One of his sons followed in the footsteps of his father. One morning in the summer, Eric watched his son, Leif, sail away into the midsummer mist.

What a life Eric led! If you would like to take a look at the replica swords, shields and clothing of the Vikings. Please visit my website at TheCastleCourt.

The Court of Love

2008-02-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

At this time of the year our thoughts turn to love and how to please our significant other on Valentines day.Many years ago there was a beautiful place totally dedicated to pleasure and love. The famous legend of Camelot was written here.

At the end of the twelfth century one of the most famous castle courts was in Poitiers, France and was devoted to courtly love. This lively court was presided over by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the wife of Henry II of England and the ex-wife of Louis VII of France. The “beautiful people” throughout Europe gathered in Poitiers to learn the proper art of love. Poets, playwrights, musicians, jesters, princes, princesses, lords and ladies frolicked in the bedroms and banquet halls of this famous court where the male was taught to subject his body and soul to the desires of the female of his dreams. He fought with sword and lance to prove his love and to eliminate the competition for the affections of his beloved. He wore her colors on his armor, and she cheered him in the joust. He was her knight in shining armor.

On February 14, the ultimate lover’s day, why give her only flowers and chocolate? Give her a symbol of your undying love, a knight in shining armor. Ladies, why not give your love a sword, a symbol of strength and courage?