This is the sword wielded by Grand Master Jean de Valette in the defence of the island during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Tradition has it that the Grand Master upon victory over the Ottoman Turks placed his personal side-sword and hat in the chapel of Our Lady of Damascus as an ex voto [offering] for the conclusion of the Great Siege of 1565.

What many people do not know is that this sword has been in Malta, and exhibited to the public for all these years. While documentary evidence for or against this tradition is limited, there is no doubt that both artefacts, currently displayed in the Oratory of St. Joseph in Birgu (Vittoriosa), date back to the right time period.

The miniature was originally created as a replica lapel pin for the Malta Historical Fencing Association, which has created real size practice replicas and adopted it as it’s main sword. On popular request, it was later also reproduced as a pendant. This miniature is just 5.5cm long and crafted from eight separate pieces in four soldering sessions. All specimens are individually hand crafted from .925 Sterling Silver and as such are unique works of art.

Length: approx 68mm

Width: approx 16mm

Material: .925 Sterling Silver

Weight: 5g

Comes in Red Leatherette Presentation Case with a Certificate from the Malta Crafts Council and a leaflet (shown) explaining the history of the sword.

IMPORTANT: Price varies with size and custom orders are welcome.

All our items are individually hand crafted and will therefore be unique. As such they may vary slightly from the picture shown.

Not all lengths/sizes of the same item are stocked and that it may not be possible to post the next day. So, if necessary, please allow an extra 7 days for these items to be hand crafted for you.

All weights are extrapolated.

 Manufacturer Details:

•Andrew Vella Montague

•32/3 Triq K. Zerafa. Birkirkara, BKR1712, Malta

•info@avmjewellery.com

Core Safety Warnings:

•Choking / Ingestion Hazard: "Warning: Small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years"

•Strangulation Hazard: "Warning: Strangulation hazard. Keep necklaces and long chains away from young children and do not leave them unattended".

•Sharp Edges / Physical Injury: "Handle with care. Earring backs, posts, or damaged edges may be sharp and cause scratches".

•Skin Sensitivity: "Contains copper or silver alloys; people with specific metal sensitivities should monitor their skin and discontinue use if irritation or redness occurs"

•Skin Sensitivity: “Contains fully cured resin; skin-safe for most people, individual sensitivities vary. Discontinue use immediately if skin irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs."

•Physical Activity: "Remove jewellery before intense physical exercise, sports, or heavy work to avoid injury or damage to the piece".

Care and Maintenance Instructions:

•Chemical Exposure: Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, hairsprays, chlorinated water, and harsh household detergents/cleaners which can tarnish or corrode sterling silver

•Heat exposure: Resin is heat treated and may be damaged if exposed to heat.

•Daily Routines: Remove rings and jewellery before bathing, swimming, washing hands, or sleeping.

•Cleaning and Storage: Clean gently with a dry, soft silver-polishing cloth. Avoid abrasive brushes or harsh chemical dips. Store in a dry, dark place (like a closed jewellery box or anti-tarnish pouch) to minimize oxidation.