The armament will be preserved under strict security measures and remain on display at the National Museum of History for 45 days
TIRANA, Nov. 19 – The sword and helmet of Scanderbeg, Albania’s 15th century national hero who for more than two decades kept the Ottoman army away from Albania and the region, came home this week from Vienna to be displayed in Tirana for 45 days as part of events commemorating the country’s 100th anniversary of independence. The two remaining personal military armament of Skanderbeg arrived in Durres Port on Monday Nov. 19 following the Vienna-Bari-Durres itinerary to end up at the National Museum of History where they will be on display starting from Nov. 22. Speaking at the Durres Port, Luan Malltezi, the director of the National Museum of History, described the arrival of Skanderbeg’s armament a historic and very important moment in the symbolism of the centenary of independence. “The armament will be preserved under strict security measures and remain on display at the National Museum of History for 45 days,” Malltezi told reporters.
The armament will be displayed in an enclosed glass case in the Middle Ages pavilion. A national hero, Skanderbeg who in the 15th century era successfully managed to keep the Ottoman army away from Albania for more than 20 years, is a symbol of unity who inspired Renaissance writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Skanderbeg’s repeated defeats of overwhelmingly larger Ottoman forces were attributed to his first-hand knowledge of Turkish military tactics and his brilliant leadership and battle strategies. Yet, all that remain of Scanderbeg’s personal military armament are his helmet and sword which are now preserved in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
How Scanderbeg’s personal belongings turned up in Vienna so far away from his native land of Albania is attributed to the 16th Century Archduke Ferdinand II of Tirol and, especially, his secretary, Shrenke, according to Frosina.org.
The first mention of Scanderbeg’s sword and helmet was in a letter dated October 15, 1578, from the Duke of Urbino to Archduke Ferdinand stating that he would send the helmet and sword to Ambras.
In 1605, Ambras castle including the armory was sold to the Austrian Emperor where Scanderbeg’s sword and helmet remained until 1806 when they were transferred with the rest of the military artifacts collection to Belvedere castle and finally, in 1888, to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna where they have remained on display to the present day.
It is believed that Scanderbeg’s helmet and sword were brought to Italy by his wife and son and other members of his family who had emigrated to Italy after Scanderbeg’s death in 1468 where they were eventually acquired by the Duke of Urbino.
Ceremonial helmet
Italian, circa 1460 Bright steel, bells of Italian design. Lower border and neck protection removed where corrosion and cracks have appeared. These have been covered by a sown-in leather band under which the former coverlet of gold silk remains. Adjusted copper headstrap bound by gold ornamental borders decorated with six rosettes of which the copper gilt original is in the neck – the remaining five are restorations of the 16th century. Between the rosettes inscription: in/per/ra/to/re/bt. helmet ornament in the form of a goat’s head of embossed, engraved gilt sheet copper with gilt ornamental border. A hole in the helmet originally served for fastening Scanderbeg’s crest.
Oriental sword
Near East, 15th century Wide, double-edged blade with rounded tip. At the head of the front side are gold inlaid leaf ornaments – a circular medallion and a band of indecipherable Arabic script. Later grip of Turkish style with blackened handle hood parrying rod with leather-covered handle. Even later sheath of black leather with pressed knotted pattern and simple ornamental iron carrying strap as well as positioning strap. On the reverse side, red oil-painted inscription of the Ambrasian armory: “Sk’anderwech.”
