The Economics of Medieval Weaponry: Understanding the Cost and Value of Arms in the 14th–15th Centuries
In medieval Europe, the cost of weapons was shaped by craftsmanship, materials, and social hierarchy. A longsword, while iconic, was but one tool in a vast arsenal, each with its own price, purpose, and cultural significance. Below, we explore the financial and societal implications of weapon ownership.
Weapon Costs in Medieval England (14th–15th Century)
Prices are approximate, adjusted for medieval currency (1 pound (£) = 20 shillings (s) = 240 pence (d)).
| Weapon | Cost Range | Equivalent Days’ Wages (Labourer @ 2d/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longsword | £0.5 – £2 | 60 – 240 days | High-quality steel, often imported; ornate designs doubled the price. |
| Spear | 1s – 2s (6d – 24d) | 3 – 12 days | Common for infantry; ash-wood shaft with iron tip. |
| Axe | 8d – 2s | 4 – 12 days | Versatile for combat and labour; cheaper than swords. |
| Dagger | 6d – 1s | 3 – 6 days | Sidearm for nobles; peasants used cruder versions. |
| Longbow | 1s – 3s | 6 – 18 days | English yew bows required skilled craftsmanship; arrows cost extra. |
| Crossbow | £1 – £3 | 120 – 360 days | Expensive due to complex mechanisms; banned by the Church at times. |
| Mace | 1s – 5s | 6 – 30 days | Effective against armour; iron head with wooden/steel shaft. |
| Warhorse (Destrier) | £40 – £80 | 4,800 – 9,600 days | Elite cavalry mounts; cost exceeded most knights’ annual income. |
| Mail Hauberk | £3 – £5 | 360 – 600 days | Interlinked iron rings; often more expensive than a sword. |
Factors Influencing Weapon Prices
- Materials & Craftsmanship
- Steel Quality: Blades from Toledo (Spain) or Solingen (Germany) used high-carbon steel, doubling costs.
- Labour: A longsword took ~200 hours to forge; master smiths charged premiums.
- Decorations: Engraved hilts or gilded pommels signified status, adding £1+ to the price.
- Geographical Variations
- Import tariffs and trade routes affected affordability. A sword in London might cost 10% more than in York due to taxes.
- Local guilds regulated prices, ensuring quality but limiting competition.
- Mass Production
- By the 15th century, water-powered hammers and standardised designs reduced costs. A basic sword dropped to ~£0.3.
Affordability Across Social Classes
| Class | Annual Income | Longsword Affordability |
|---|---|---|
| Labourer | £1 – £1.5 | Required 4–8 months’ savings; often opted for spears (1–2s). |
| Foot Soldier | £2 – £4 | 1–2 months’ wages; sometimes issued weapons by lords. |
| Knight | £20 – £30 | 1–2 weeks’ income; often owned multiple swords. |
| Noble | £100+ | Negligible cost; commissioned custom blades with family crests. |
- Comparative Costs:
- A loaf of bread: 0.5d (1/480th of £1).
- A cow: £1 – £2 (equivalent to a longsword).
- A peasant’s yearly rent: 5s – 10s (1/4th of a sword’s cost).
Cultural and Practical Value
- Symbol of Status: Swords denoted nobility. Laws like the 13th-century Assize of Arms restricted sword ownership to elites.
- Economic Impact: Blacksmiths formed guilds, controlling trade secrets and pricing. A smith in London could earn £10 annually, five times a labourer’s wage.
- Maintenance Costs: Sharpening, scabbards, and repairs added ~10% to a sword’s lifetime cost.
A longsword’s price reflected its role as both weapon and status symbol. For nobles, it was an accessible necessity; for peasants, a distant luxury. This disparity underscored medieval Europe’s rigid class structure, where even death dealt in silver had a hierarchy.
