After the release of the Sword of the Archangel Michael, emblazoned with a famous prayer to him, and then a similarly decorated Sword of Saint Gabriel design, each formed in 2.5 ounces of fine silver, today sees the release of the third of the four. Rather than a sword, the Archangel Raphael is represented by a halberd.

A halberd is a weapon that came to prominence in the medieval period, but can be dated back to the early Bronze Age in Western Europe. It’s basically an axe with a spike above it, mounted to a long shaft. It was the weapon that killed King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in England in 1485, the last major battle of the War of the Roses, which led to the formation of the Tudor Dynasty that ruled England until 1603, most famously including King Henry VIII, and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. It’s also the weapon currently carried by the Swiss Guard in the Vatican.

The one here, is exquisitely ornate, as you’d expect given its mythical origin, and a bit shorter in proportion than the typical 1.5-2.5 metres in length. You could almost say it’s been designed to be wielded by a being that doesn’t really need it. Like the two earlier issues, this is absolutely gorgeous, packed with intricate detailing on both sides, and clearly meant to be displayed where it can be seen in full (see more on the display box lower down).

We just received info on this and have immediately gone to an article, but we’re still missing a detail or two, namely the mintage (probably 15,000), and the dimensions (the time difference with South Korea is the reason for the delay, but we’ll have the information shortly). This has been an outstanding series, very unusual, and beautifully brought to life. The fourth issue has yet to be revealed, but a look at the display box image below, hints at a wide, almost anime-like sword. Can’t wait!. Available shortly.