Zsoltan Kovacs
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 Zsoltan Kovacs | ||||||||||
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Master Zsoltan Kovacs, OL aka Zoltan; Laurel given by William & Donna (West) Being a member of the SCA since 1968 (Calafia), Kirby has the distinction of being a Double Laurel given by both the West and Atenveldt at the same time. In these early SCA years, this was possible before Laurels were recognized as a courtesy outside of the home kingdom.
Kirby has passed on with Thor's hammer in hand this afternoon (9/15/2021). He went with to the sound of bagpipes playing. After battling with Covid caused viral pneumonia for several weeks while in ICU, he took a severe downturn last night. It was time. Kirby has stated many times he did not want to resuscitated and his ashes to be here in the shop. Kirby always considered himself a Calafian since its beginnings. (Kirby joined the SCA in 68) He and Dean (Baron Talanque) were long time friends. He was very saddened when Dean died. For us both, the making of the Trident was a joy and a honor. Let us all raise a horn to his legend and legacy as a Master Swordsmith. ~ Laurie Wise
Associations
- Husband to Morgana Swansdottir
Memories
Master Zsoltan (Kirby) broke ground for arms and armor during his time. He took me under his wing for a short while when I was quite young and interested in pounding metal. I learned many things from him and will always be grateful for his tutelage. He was definitely a powerful personality, and not to everyone's taste. But his talent and workmanship, augmented by his family and especially by his lady wife, Morgana Swansdottir was unique and ruggedly beautiful. We shall never know another like him. His family plans to continue his legacy. ~Eadwynne of Runedun
I too share many of the same kinds of memories as my friend Eadwynne of Runedun, Master Zsoltan’s (Kirby’s) influence was also key to the foundation of Dreiburgen Armourers Guild.
It was the interest in smithing and the knowledge I pick up from him that allowed me to host Baronial Armory meetings for so many years. ~Malcolm Alberic
In A.S. X, a fair percentage of fighters in Caid were wearing helmets made by Kirby, wearing brestplates made by Kirby, and carrying replica swords and shields made by Kirby. It is a sad loss for all of us. I only met him a few times at Calafian events, because he spent most of his time at his forge in the desert, but he was not the sort of man who is easily forgotten. I don't know how many fighters wear examples of his best work, but Duke Martin, Duke Armand, and Sir AEthelred all wear beautiful broadswords made by Kirby. -- Robear du Bois
Music by Zsoltan
Photos
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Maker's Mark -
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Horacio -
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Armand de Sevigny with sword by Zsoltan -
Calafian ceremonial Trident presented by the Iron Brigade, 2018 -
Sword and Dagger for Sir Waldt von Markheim, first Baron of Dreiburgen -
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In honour of the creation of the title Starkhafn Warlord, Baron Robartach commissioned a War Axe by Zsoltan Kovacs. This magnificent creation of steel and fire stands one full height of a Starkhafn Baroness decorated with beautiful brass work by Zsoltan Kovacs's lady wife Laurie the Wise and rings like the call of the Valkyrie when struck. Each Warlord has the honour of wielding the Baron's Axe during ceremonies, court and when leading the Levy. -
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Armor made by Zsoltan for Lysander of Sparta c. 1970s
