Honestly, your best bet for undestanding the dimensions of a historically accurate sword would be to have a look at museum pieces and moder. Length. They are a sub-class . In the early Middle Ages, swords were broad and heavy and used to hack through the mail. Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the "Grete Swords of War" of the 13thC. The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with the medieval knightly sword and the Renaissance-era Zweihnder. The tip is 0.9 inch side and 0.20 inches thick. Hand-and-a-Half Sword. The French pe de passot may also refer to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. It could also be used one-handed against lightly armored archers from horseback and two-handed for thrusting attacks against heavily armored opponents. There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. Some had broad parallel edges to those with acute tapers from the guard to a spike like point and many variations in between. Black War Sword And Scabbard - High Carbon Steel Blade, Wooden Handle, Leather-Wrapped - Length 42". [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing). 1400-1430 On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373. This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 01:56. During half-swording, the entirety of the sword works as a weapon, including the pommel and crossguard. Hand-and-a-Half (44) Length. The earliest forms of these are oversized examples of the single handed swords would be hard to distinguish as a separate group. Answer (1 of 2): I'll apologize be as I'm long-winded and cover a lot of ground. In Italy, spadone, or longsword, instruction lingered on despite the popularity of the rapier, at least into the mid-17th century (Alfieri's Lo Spadone of 1653), with a late treatise of the "two handed sword" by one Giuseppe Colombani, a dentist in Venice dating to 1711. [19], What is known of combat with the longsword comes from artistic depictions of battle from manuscripts and the Fechtbcher of Medieval and Renaissance Masters. This . Another technique would be the Mordstreich (lit. The earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. You've landed on the new (soon to be released) website for Arms & Armor. [17]:7373,plate 67 The cross has been shown to be used as a hook for tripping or knocking an opponent off balance. Dao are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. [2] Navigation menu . Knives such as the seax and other blades of similar length between 30 and 60cm (1 and 2ft) are sometimes construed as swords. As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. An example of a "true" bastard sword / hand-and-a-half sword Skallagrim 1.56M subscribers 881K views 7 years ago The term longsword (or "long sword") is often incorrectly applied to. Inspired from swords used during the late 14th through to the mid-16th centuries, this is a hand and a half length sword and is fully functional. [17][18] Use of the longsword in attack was not limited only to use of the blade, however, as several Fechtbcher explain and depict use of the pommel and cross as offensive weapons. A Rare All-Steel Left-Hand DaggerThird Quarter Of The 16th Century, Probably Spanish. [26] Instead, the energy of the cut becomes essentially pure concussive energy. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" refers to a sword with a moderate-length blade that can be used with either one hand or two. Leather Wrapped Handle. More details . It remained in use as a weapon of war intended for wielders wearing full plate armour either on foot or on horseback, throughout the late medieval period. Bastard swords are also known as hand-and-a-half swords, falling between the longsword and greatsword in length. From the late 15th century, however, it is also attested as being worn and used by unarmoured soldiers or mercenaries. Hand-and-a-Half (26) Length. The evolution of these swords and how they were used was a dynamic and vigorous interplay of weapons and armor development with the keenest minds of martial combat striving to define the new environment of plate armor and longsword. A nonce attestation of "long-sword" in the sense of "heavy two-handed sword" is found in, Systematic use of the term only from 2001 beginning with, Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword A Summary, "Medieval and Renaissance Fencing Terminology", "Study of the Destructive Capabilities of the European Longsword", "The Two-Handed Great Sword Making lite of the issue of weight", "Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword: A Summary", Halflang and Tua Handit: Hand-and-a-Half and Two-Handed Scottish Swords, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Longsword&oldid=1141836737, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox weapon with unknown parameters, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Types XIIa and XIIIa represent the Great Sword or War Sword type used in the later 13th and in the 14th century. Add to cart. [17]:plate 58 Some manuals even depict the cross as a hammer. The longsword, greatsword and bastard-sword were also made in Spain, appearing relatively late, known as the espadon, the montante and bastarda or espada de mano y media respectively. 30-40 Inches (3) 40-50 Inches (21) 50-60 Inches (2) Product Includes. "large/great sword")[16][17] can refer to either the longsword with a distinctive two-handed grip, or the basket-hilted sword. Most long swords were double edged. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. The long grip gives the wielder plenty of leverage to maneuver the sword quickly and to strike decisively. However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. Equipped with a long grip, the hand-and-a-half sword was suitable for use with one or even both hands if one wished to give extra force to a blow. The backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. The swords grouped as "longswords" for the purposes of this article are united by their being intended for two-handed use. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. The hand-and-a-half sword had a longer reach than the so-called short sword, the earlier arming sword, making it significant for a mounted knight fighting against other cavalry and foot soldiers. The evolution of the large swords of war into the Knightly longsword can first be seen as a distinct group in the swords of Oakeshotts Type XIIa and XIIIa. Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. The point would be to hold the grip with one hand at the top of the grip, and one hand at the bottom. Use of the two-handed Great Sword or Schlachtschwert by infantry (as opposed to their use as a weapon of mounted and fully armoured knights) seems to have originated with the Swiss in the 14th century. We see very thin blades with tremendous cutting potential to swords of the more common diamond cross section, many with fullers, to the category of Tucks which hadblades designed for thrusting and levering ones opponent in close play. The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed two handed sword and bastard sword as two separate items. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing).[9]. Leadingthe research, replication and understanding ofarms and armor for over 37 years, creating exceptional items for those who appreciate history and its material culture. . According to the book titled "Exhibition of the Royal House of Tudo," hand-and-a-half sword is a relatively new term that just recently appeared beginning in the latter half of the 19th century. This probably represents the differing tastes of current sword buyers from those of the Middle Ages. The increased defensive capability of a man clad in full plate armour caused the use of the sword to be drastically changed. Advantages of Hand-and-a-Half Swords . Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. Length: 115 cm Weight: 1.4 kg Acquisition and important dates Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1933-03-16) by Henderson, James Stewart Dating 13th/14th Century Circa 1250 CE - 1350 CE Note Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. The most well-known systematic typology of blade types of the European medieval sword is the Oakeshott typology, although this is also a modern classification and not a medieval one. As with our single-hand broadswords above these weapons are custom made. . Hand and a Half Sword 88HNH medieval bastard sword by Cold Steel. Hilt length: 34 cm (13 3/8") Pommel Length: 6.2 cm (2 7/16 in.) The majority of these elongated weapons were designed for agility, precision and rapid thrusting blows to exploit gaps in the enemy's defences; the major joints of the arms, the opening in a visor. As such, warriors using the hand-and-a-half sword were given more options. . [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword.[9]. At the most basic level a longsword, also often known as a hand-and-a-half sword or a Bastard Sword, is a double-edged European sword, often with a cruciform hilt, that is capable of being used in either one hand or two. These days, the term longsword most frequently refers to a late Medieval and Renaissance weapon designed for use with two hands. [citation needed] Small swords were also used as status symbols and fashion accessories; for most of the 18th century anyone, civilian or military, with pretensions to gentlemanly status would have worn a small sword on a daily basis. [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. Two-handed swords, on the other hand, are long and heavy, making them particularly effective at dealing critical blows. SPADA SCHIAVONESCA. 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. Sword Length: 42 5/8". The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). The hand-and-a-half sword is also called a bastard sword because it has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a one-handed or two-handed weapon. A longsword, hand and a half sword or bastard sword is a long, symmetrical sword with a cruciform (cross-shaped) hilt, and a double-edged blade tapered to a sharp point for thrusting. These are all in reference to swords commonly called hand and a half swords or longswords today. These long-gripped weapons were ideal for thrusting at small gaps in armor when the typical slashing sword could not chop through it. Scabbard. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. The blade is 79cm in length and constructed from a rugged 1060 spring steel and through . The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use. It was the typical knights sword of the 15th century designed for thrusting against vulnerable points in plate armor. Tweet Share Google+ Pinterest . Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. The idea for the spatha came from the swords of ancient Celts in Germany and Britain. When wielded two-handed, they become brutally effective slashing or chopping weapons. Type XVII is a shorter-lived type, popular during the mid-14th to early 15th century. [5]:130 These all seem to have originated in Bavaria and in Switzerland. The term "hand-and-a-half" have originated due to the fact that the sword was designed for both one and two-handed use, not because one and a half hands are needed to wield it. 44. Bastard Sword Sren Niedziella from Denmark . The Scabbard All Hanwei western medieval swords come with a nicely made scabbard. It was a specialist weapon wielded by certain Landsknechte (mercenary soldiers), so-called Doppelsldners. By the late 16th century, early forms of the developed-hilt appear on this type of sword. German Bastard or Hand-And -A-Half Sword, early 16th century with long slender tapering double-edged blade of flattened diamond section, hilt comprising arched quillons with swelling tips of flat triangular section, side-ring en suite and with fluted tips where they join the quillons, and inner bar of circular section bent down and made in one with the downcurved arm, associated fluted fig . [23] The manual also presents half-sword techniques as an integral part of armoured combat. Regardless of what they are called these swords areall of a type that is iconic to the middle ages. The grip was somewhat larger than the grip of a one-handed sword so that . [4] In terms of blade typology, they do not form a single category. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. . SBCM-MAS-RED This type of sword was first developed in Europe in the 15th century and reflected the emergence of asymmetric guards, which made a two-edged blade somewhat redundant. In a depiction of a duel, individuals may be seen wielding sharply pointed longswords in one hand, leaving the other hand open to manipulate the large dueling shield. Most were better suited for thrusting, but others were also designed for more cutting. The basket-hilted sword is a sword type of the early modern era characterised by a basket-shaped guard that protects the hand. The grete war sword, also called epee de guerre or great sword, was an earlier type of longsword used throughout most of western Europe. The term "broadsword" was never used historically to describe the one-handed arming sword. For example, there is a longsword in The Glasgow Art and History Museum, Labelled XIIIa. [5], The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is relatively modern (from the late 19th century);[6] Type XVa is the classical two-handed sword of the 14th and 15th centuries (with early examples appearing from the later 13th century). Ewart Oakeshott classified medieval swords into types, focusing on their blade type, pommel, and crossguard designs. All these newly introduced or redefined terms add to the confusion of the matter. This was the most common longsword up to the late 13th century CE. The blade could range between 0.5 and 1m (1ft 8in and 3ft 3in) long while the handle was usually between 18 and 20cm (7 and 8in). They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. Distinct "bastard sword" hilt types developed during the first half of the 16th century. Hand-and-a-half swords were carried in scabbards attached to waist belts, though some sources mention swords being carried in rings welded directly to the skirt of a harness. A bastard sword or hand-and-a-halfer[1] are swords which fall between the longsword or broadsword and the two-handed greatsword in size. Folio 158 v.). 2023, Arms & Armor The name bastard sword was first used in the 15th century, as far as we know. The Filipino islands are widely known for their vast assortment of edged weapons. Today, the two terms are used interchangeably, with some people referring to as a hand-and-a-half sword and others calling it a bastard sword. Some advantages over wooden training gear are, Durability - Won't split, rot or splinter. In Athenian art, Spartan hoplites were often depicted using a kopis instead of the xiphos, as the kopis was seen as a quintessential "villain" weapon in Greek eyes.[46]. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" refers to a sword with a moderate-length blade that can be used with either one hand or two. Landesbib. The term "single-handed sword" (or "one-handed sword") is a retronym coined to disambiguate from "two-handed" or "hand-and-a-half" specimens. Its blade range from 33 to 41 inches in length. All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. The hanger (obs. The distance between the hands obviously increases the leverage that combatant could exert on the weapon. The Oakeshott Type XVa is among the most common types of hand-and-a-half swords displayed in museums, including the Black Prince Sword, believed to be wielded by Edward, Prince of Wales. So, what exactly is a hand-and-a-half sword? Cod. [8] The blade could be the same length as a single-hand sword but the tang and the grip . They have a 2 inch guard width and 0.24 inch guard thickness. In some instances, the crossguard could hook the shield or the weapon away and even trip the enemy. . Venezia, fine secolo XV. A longer and broader blade which widened slightly towards the handle. Most feel they were blades that could be used either one or two handed (much like the longsword pictured), and sometimes the term hand and a half sword is also used interchangeably. Therein the basics of combat were described and, in some cases, depicted. Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. Dual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core Fittings : Mild Steel Blade Thickness: 1.34 mm Total Length: 45 . These techniques could be nearly instantly fatal or incapacitating, as a thrust to the skull, heart, or major blood vessel would cause massive trauma. $225.00. Price Availability* Description SBA-WARSPIKE $ 95 14 In Stock The Warspike: Knight Longsword Engrave this item for $20 . When pike formations became common on battlefield tactics, ranged weapons proved more effective against pikemen, diminishing the advantages of hand-and-a-half swords. CAS Hanwei Hand-and-a-Half Sword SH2034 Brand: CAS Hanwei $40399 About this item Authentic replica of Museum Piece Fully functional Overall length: 44 1/2" Product Description The Hand-and-a-Half Sword is replicated from a sword thought to be that of Albrecht II of Austria and represents the pinnacle of beauty and balance in medieval swords. This technique combines the use of the sword with wrestling, providing opportunities to trip, disarm, break, or throw an opponent and place them in a less offensively and defensively capable position. Fourteenth Century Length overall 124 cm. The later hardened plate armours, complete with ridges and roping, posed a threat against the careless attacker. [17]:plates 128150, Another variation of use comes from the use of armour. And this is why it remains a popular sword type even after all of those years. The Zweihnder ("two-hander") or Beidhnder ("both-hander") is a true two-handed sword, in the sense that it cannot be wielded in only one hand. This is especially the case for weapons from antiquity, made before the development of high quality steel that is necessary for longer swords, in particular: Oversized two-handers used as parade swords or ceremonial weapons often exceeded the length and weight of practical weapons of war. As plate armor became more common, swords became longer and acquired a leaner blade with an acute point for thrusting. When wielded one-handed, they can be paired with a shield for extra defense. Like the German manuals, the weapon is most commonly depicted and taught with both hands on the hilt. [21], Joseph Swetnam states that the bastard sword is midway in length between an arming sword and a long sword,[22] and Randall Cotgrave's definition seems to imply this, as well. "arming sword", "broadsword", "long sword", etc.) [citation needed], The small sword or smallsword (also court sword or dress sword, French: pe de cour)[citation needed] is a light one-handed sword designed for thrusting[citation needed] which evolved out of the longer and heavier rapier of the late Renaissance. It is ideal for HEMA study - recreating the longswords from Fiore, Talhoffer, etc. Functionally, swords become more maneuverable, powerful, and fast when the handle is gripped with two hands. The excellent balance and light weight make the Warspike an exceptional addition to any collection. Today, it is among the most common weapons used in HEMA. Perhaps. The basket hilt is a development of the quillons added to swords' crossguards since the Late Middle Ages. Terminology was further complicated by terms introduced[1] or misinterpreted[2][3][4] in the 19th century by antiquarians and in 20th century pop culture,[5] and by the addition of new terms such as "great sword", "Zweihnder" (instead of Beidhnder), and "cut-and-thrust sword". It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands -- that doesn't make sense. In comparison, a shortsword's blade is about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). [30] However, George Silver and Joseph Swetnam refer to them merely as "two hande sworde". It also allowed pommeling technique, in which the pommel is partially held in the palm of the other hand to execute more forceful thrusts into heavy armor. Sword Mounting Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. Its length is 118,5 cm with a blade of 89,5 cm and it weighs 2150 g. The grip gives the sword a unique character. [44], The "tuck" (French estoc, Italian stocco)[citation needed] is an edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section used for thrusting. The half-swording technique was essential in armored combat, as most cutting and slashing blows will not cause enough damage to an iron or steel plate. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands that doesn't make sense. Posted by Will Cruse on 23rd Oct 2022 Cool and does the job. On the other hand, the hand-and-a-half swords were often used alone. A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. $269.99 $211.98! The term two-handed sword, used as a general term, may refer to any large sword designed to be used primarily with two hands: The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged blade usually with a round guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. A rapier (/ r e p i r /) or espada ropera is a type of sword with a slender and sharply-pointed two-edged blade that was popular in Western Europe, both for civilian use (dueling and self-defense) and as a military side arm, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.. The hand-and-a-half sword also belongs to Oakeshott types XVIa, XVII, and XVIIIa. We will respect your privacy. It was through students of Liechtenauer, like Sigmund Ringeck, who transcribed the work into more understandable prose[20] that the system became notably more codified and understandable. The scimitar (French cimeterre, Italian scimitarra) is a type of saber that came to refer in general to any sabre used by the Turks or Ottomans (kilic), Persians (shamshir) and more specifically the Stradioti[58] (Albanian and Greek mercenaries who fought in the French-Italian Wars and were employed throughout Western Europe). Traditional vs Modern Differential Hardening for Swords. Also, the hand on the blade increases its rigidity which is advantageous when thrusting. With long tapering double-edged blade of flattened diamond section cut with two shallow fullers forming a low medial ridge over its entire length on each side, and incised with an indistinct crucifix mark on both sides towards the forte, long waisted ricasso with a pair of small pointed . By the second half of the 16th century, it persisted mostly as a weapon for sportive competition (Schulfechten), and possibly in knightly duels. All parts of the sword are used for offensive purposes, including the pommel and crossguard. The hilts (handles) range from 8 to 16 inches long to provide room for gauntleted hands. [13][14][15][dubious discuss] The great sword proper was developed during the Renaissance, but its earlier cousin, the Scottish Claymore, was very similar in size and use, like the "outsized specimens" between 160cm and 180cm (approx. During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was also used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" (or "long-sword"), if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing).[7]. However they mainly saw prominence outside the battlefield as a duelling weapon. 5, which scholars have dated back to between 1100 and 1200 due to the hilt style and specific taper, but swords like this remain incredibly rare, and are not representative of an identifiable trend before the late 13th or early 14th century. We offer an array of these swords. The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. "[20] Espe bastarde could also historically refer to a single-handed sword with a fairly long blade compared to other short swords. [citation needed] The height of the small sword's popularity was between the mid-17th and late 18th century. What kind of swords were used in medieval times? If a warrior was facing archers, for instance, he may wield the hand-and-a-half sword with one hand while using his other hand to hold a shield. The Spartan version was typically only 3045 centimetres. They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow-ground. [citation needed] The two handed claymore is an early Scottish version of a greatsword. Their specially shaped grips, usually bottle-shaped or waisted, gave better control and hold of the weapon. The edgeless swords category comprises weapons which are related to or labelled as "swords" but do not emphasise hacking or slashing techniques or have any cutting edges whatsoever. The tip of the sword blade is . germ. Grip: hand-and-half to two hand length, 6" to 10" Average Weight: Primary purpose: cutting Period: Great Sword or War Sword, in use from middle of the 13th c to the latter half of the 14th Sub-Type XIIIb Profile: broad, flat and parallel edges Cross-section: lenticular Average Blade Length: 35" The term "rapier" appeared in the English lexicon via the French pe rapire which either compared the weapon to a rasp or file; it may be a corruption of "rasping sword"[38] which referred to the sound the blade makes[39] when it comes into contact with another blade. Weight ranged from 1 to 1.5 kg. The Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mr means "great sword"; anglicised as claymore, it came to refer to a large Scottish type of longsword with a Vshaped crossguard. Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the Grete Swords of War of the 13th C. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. Still, some sources show them used with bucklers or spiked shields in judicial duels, though the latter was unusual.
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