Wisconsin company exclusively reproduces sword of Conan.

NEW GLARUS, WI – The "Swords of Conan," made famous by the 1982 film Conan The Barbarian, but never before offered to the public in officially authorized form, are now available for the first time in full and authenticated replication through Film Swords LLC, a division of Albion Armorers International, Inc.

Exclusively reproduced in cooperation with Conan Properties, Inc., the"Atlantean Sword" and the "Father's Sword" are handcrafted for Albion by internationally renowned designer and bladesmith, Jody Samson, who made the swords for the movie and is replicating them now from the original patterns.

Long sought after by collectors, film connoisseurs and fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the title role, the swords are sold in two models—a 20th Anniversary Edition, retailing at $3,000, and a Limited Edition, retailing at $10,000.

"It's a real breakthrough for collectors and fans," said Howard Waddell, creative director for Albion, who worked closely with Samson for 12 years in order to make the project a reality, and then negotiated the exclusive contract with Conan Properties.

"There have been unauthorized versions of these swords on the market from time to time in the past, but never the truly authentic versions," Waddell said. "And none of these have ever been crafted by Jody Samson, who many of us in the industry consider to be one of the finest sword designers in the world."

Both swords are integral to the plot of the film and are featured prominently. The Atlantean Sword, which in the script once belonged to an ancient warrior king, is discovered by Conan in an underground tomb. It becomes his primary weapon as he seeks to avenge his father's murder and recover the second sword, which his father personally forged.

The film, directed by John Milius, is based on a series of short stories written in the 1930s by Robert E. Howard. Both the books and the movie were instrumental in kindling an international interest in swordplay and fantasy, eventually leading to the popularity of many succeeding films and television productions of a like genre. Among the more successful of these have been The Beastmaster, Dragon Slayer and "Xena, Warrior Princess."

A sequel to Conan was produced in the 1980s, but was not directed by Milius. He now is in the process of scripting a third sequel with an anticipated release date within the next two years. The Atlantean Sword again will be featured in the latest sequel.

Film Swords, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Albion Armorers International, Inc., was established in January 2001 as a corporate division to facilitate Albion's business with the film and television industries. That involves two distinct operations—the replication of swords made famous through the history of film and television for sale to collectors; and the design, development and production of products for film and television production companies, including rights for commercial replication.

Vending and manufacturing museum-quality swords and armor since 1999, Albion Armorers International, Inc., recently moved its headquarters from Maryland to New Glarus, Wisconsin, where it is in the process of renovating a factory to consolidate many elements of the business to increase its manufacturing and sales capabilities.

Available through select marketing outlets, the "Swords of Conan" may be viewed on Albion's Internet webpage: albionarmorers.com/swords/conanframe.htm.
1.888.806.4356








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