Hilt length: 34 cm (13 3/8") Pommel Length: 6.2 cm (2 7/16 in.) As such, warriors using the hand-and-a-half sword were given more options. GOTHIC HAND AND A HALF SWORD. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. Tweet Share Google+ Pinterest . The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BC during the Spring and Autumn period;[18] one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian. [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. It does not mean that these blades could not cut well, though they were less optimized for slashing. After looking around, we'd appreciate 2 minutes of your timeto answer 3 short questions about your experience. Kodachi vs Wakizashi: What's the Difference? A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. The backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. These techniques could be nearly instantly fatal or incapacitating, as a thrust to the skull, heart, or major blood vessel would cause massive trauma. Still, some sources show them used with bucklers or spiked shields in judicial duels, though the latter was unusual. The hanger (obs. From the late 15th century, however, it is also attested as being worn and used by unarmoured soldiers or mercenaries. Most swords are intended for use either one or two hands. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. [citation needed]. 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. Today, replicas have high-carbon steel blades, though the ones used in stage combat and reenactment have blunt edges. The Spartan's shorter weapon proved deadly in the crush caused by colliding phalanx formations it was capable of being thrust through gaps in the enemy's shield wall and armour, where there was no room for longer weapons. [30] However, George Silver and Joseph Swetnam refer to them merely as "two hande sworde". 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. They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. Would a sword with a long handle, but a shorter blade (like an arming sword) be a "bastard" neither being a one nor two handed sword? The weapon was used in the half-sword, with one or both hands on the blade. Contemporary use of "long-sword" or "longsword" only resurfaced in the 2000s in the context of reconstruction of the German school of fencing, translating the German langes schwert. [citation needed] The arming sword was wrongly labelled a broadsword by antiquarians as the medieval swords were similar in blade width to the military swords of the day (that were also sometimes labeled as broadswords) and broader than the dueling swords and ceremonial dress swords. Replicated from a sword thought to be that of Albrecht II of Austria, the Hand-and-a-Half Sword represents the pinnacle of beauty and balance in medieval swords. 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. Many different swords fall into this category and many of them are as maneuverable as they are surprisingly sturdy. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. Scabbard. Honestly, your best bet for undestanding the dimensions of a historically accurate sword would be to have a look at museum pieces and moder. Blade Length: 34.5 Inches ; Handle Length: 11.5 Inches ; Overall Length: 46 Inches ; Balance Point: 3.5 Inches Below Hilt ; Weight: 2 lbs. During half-swording, the entirety of the sword works as a weapon, including the pommel and crossguard. [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. Product details: Length: 115.6 cm / Blade length: 85.10 cm / Grip length: 30.5 cm / Blade width at guard: 5.1 cm / Weight: 1389 g / Steel type: 1056 carbon steel, hardness 52-54 HRC . [citation needed], The French pe btarde and the English bastard sword originate in the 15th or 16th century,[citation needed] originally having the general sense of "irregular sword or sword of uncertain origin". Most long swords were double edged. Bastard medieval swords, also known as hand-and-a-half swords, are surprisingly diverse weapons. One-handed swords are shorter and lighter, but they allow the user to wield a second weapon or shield. The hand and a half length handle is 10 inches. Type XVII is a shorter-lived type, popular during the mid-14th to early 15th century. Most are leather covered with metal chape and throat. The variety of longswords that have survived are diverse and it is obvious that personal preference and intended use where important factors in what a warrior of the period would choose to use. Factory SecondsLoose Cross Guard, Tight Fit in Scabbard Based on a Medieval European Hand and Half, or "Bastard" sword, with stainless steel cross guard and wheel pommel. Beginning about 1520, the Swiss sabre (schnepf) in Switzerland began to replace the straight longsword, inheriting its hilt types, and the longsword had fallen out of use in Switzerland by 1550. Their defining characteristics is that they have three fullers, a shallow central fuller running along half the blade's length, with two shallow parallel fullers along the first quarter. By the late 16th century, early forms of the developed-hilt appear on this type of sword. Hans Talhoffer, a mid-15th-century German fightmaster, is probably the most prominent, using a wide variety of moves, most resulting in wrestling. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. Though deemed a Hand and a Half sword, this sword has a grip length and handling characteristics that would be fitting for a longsword. Sword hangers are knotted onto the scabbard with strips of leather, and they can be adjusted to fit and angle with a pair of brass screws. [25] The term passot comes from the fact that these swords passed (passaient) the length of a "normal" short sword. The excellent balance and light weight make the Warspike an exceptional addition to any collection. This is very popular . The long grip gives the wielder plenty of leverage to maneuver the sword quickly and to strike decisively. 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 weight of an average sword of 70-centimeter (28-inch) blade-length would be in a range of approximately .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}700 to 900 grams (1+12 to 2 pounds). 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). [17]:plates 128150, Another variation of use comes from the use of armour. Add to cart. This balance made the hand-and-a-half sword a formidable weapon, as it was light enough to easily maneuver yet still heavy enough to inflict serious damage when wielded by a skilled swordsman. Overall Length: 45.5" Blade Length: 33.50" Handle Material: Wood Covered in Leather, Black Carry System: Wood Scabbard Covered in Leather, Black This item is not for sale in some specific zip codes Frequently bought together + + Total price: Product Description [8][9][10] Prior to this the term "long sword" merely referred to any sword with a long blade; 'long' being simply an adjective rather than a classification. Leadingthe research, replication and understanding ofarms and armor for over 37 years, creating exceptional items for those who appreciate history and its material culture. Pal. Leather / Wood Scabbard with Steel Fittings. Price Availability* Description SBA-WARSPIKE $ 95 14 In Stock The Warspike: Knight Longsword Engrave this item for $20 . The blade is 79cm in length and constructed from a rugged 1060 spring steel and through . 4.14-3.1 cm, then sharp point. [17]:plate 58 Some manuals even depict the cross as a hammer. 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. In the UK, the swords were supposedly weapons of a long dead great grandfather in British Navy. Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections. 452. The hand could grip above or below the half-grip, or directly at the middle. [44], The "tuck" (French estoc, Italian stocco)[citation needed] is an edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section used for thrusting. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands that doesn't make sense. #4. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. Functionally, swords become more maneuverable, powerful, and fast when the handle is gripped with two hands. [53] The term 'falchion' may also refer to the early cutlass. [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. Glamdring (also called the Foe-hammer and the Beater) was a hand-and-a-half sword, forged for Turgon, the Elven King of Gondolin during the First Age, and much later owned by the wizard Gandalf . 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. 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 term "broadsword" was never used historically to describe the one-handed arming sword. Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. Type XVIIIc blades are somewhat broader and shorter (about 85cm), and sometimes have a short and narrow fuller. The hilt has a leather covered hardwood grip and forged hand guard. Regardless, the sword's defining characteristics remain the same: it can be used with either one hand or both hands. With the Irish Hand and Half Sword, you swiftly break through the enemy lines and claim victory for your army this morn. 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. germ. Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor, Williams, G. (2014). 5060cm long and typically made of bronze or iron. Of these, "bastard sword" is the oldest, its use being contemporaneous with the weapon's heyday. The German school of swordsmanship includes the earliest known longsword Fechtbuch, a manual from approximately 1389, known as GNM 3227a. The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry, Fighting: Teaching the Foundations of Sigmund Ringecks Style, A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times: Together with Some Closely Related Subjects, Medieval Combat: A Fifteenth-Century Manual of Swordfighting and Close-Quarter Combat. (J. L. Forgeng, Trans.). Some had broad parallel edges to those with acute tapers from the guard to a spike like point and many variations in between. [5]:133[15] 1d6 slashing. [21] Others provided similar work, some with a wide array of images to accompany the text.[22]. HEMA practitioners also use steel swords with unsharpened blades designed to bend in the thrust. Scabbard. When wielded one-handed, they can be paired with a shield for extra defense. They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow-ground. These are single-cutting edged, usually thick or curved construction bladed swords, typically designed for slashing, chopping, severing limbs, tripping or broad sweeping techniques; but were often very poorly designed for stabbing. Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. $349.99. It was a specialist weapon wielded by certain Landsknechte (mercenary soldiers), so-called Doppelsldners. By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. Special Properties None Base Damage: 1d10 Base Critical Threat: 19-20/x2 Base Damage Type: Slashing Weapon Size: Medium Feats Required: Exotic Item Code: nw_wswbs001 Return to Top Bastard Sword +1 Blade Length: 107.3 cm (42 1/4 in.) In the Oakeshott typology of blade morphology, "longswords" figure as a range of sub-types of the corresponding single-handed sword types.[16]. 1101 Stinson Blvd. Includes Scabbard or Sheath (19) The names derive from words popular at different times and places. The Austrian Bastard Sword. They also had a pommel that counterbalanced the weight of the blade, improving its maneuverability. As plate armor became more common, swords became longer and acquired a leaner blade with an acute point for thrusting. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. . Quantity. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword.[9]. The backsword blade was cheaper to manufacture than a two-edged blade. Answer (1 of 2): I'll apologize be as I'm long-winded and cover a lot of ground. The khopesh is an ancient Egyptian curved short sword with a length of approx. . With broad blade double-edged over half its length to the reinforced point and with pierced central fuller bordered by incised lines on each side and interrupted by small circular piercings, long ricasso in two stages with pierced and fluted fullers en suite . Codified systems of fighting with the longsword existed from the later 14th century, with a variety of styles and teachers each providing a slightly different take on the art. Fourteenth Century Length overall 124 cm. Hand-and-a-half swords varied in their blade length, usually ranging from 88 to 100 centimeters (35 to 40 inches). Some historians believe that it was primarily used in war and not an everyday weapon of the knight. Overall 39 inches. 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]. 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. 44. 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. Hand Forged High Carbon Steel Viking Sword, Sharp / Battle Ready Medieval Sword. The hand-and-a-half sword was a balanced weapon that enabled one to use it with one or both hands. . [citation needed] It is thought to have appeared in France and spread quickly across the rest of Europe. The hand and a half blade is used for thrusting and the length of the blade is not any longer than the long sword. Swords with exceptionally long hilts are found throughout the High Middle Ages. Some of the heavier normal size swords that I looked out were the single handed wide blade cut and thrust swords like the Munich town guard swords. Hand-and-a half varieties typically have a blade length between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. Warspike Knight's Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword $95 In Stock! Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. These are all in reference to swords commonly called hand and a half swords or longswords today. 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. What's in a name? The backsword reached its greatest use in the 17th and 18th century when many cavalry swords, such as the British 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword, were of this form. . A longsword (also spelled as long sword or long-sword) is a type of European sword characterized as having a cruciform hilt with a grip for primarily two-handed use (around 15 to 30cm or 6 to 12in), a straight double-edged blade of around 80 to 110cm (31 to 43in), and weighing approximately 1 to 1.5kg (2lb 3oz to 3lb 5oz).[1][2]. Historical terms (15th to 16th century) for this type of sword included the Italian spada longa (lunga) and French pe longue. [2] Navigation menu . Apart from being a writer, she also dabbles in fashion modeling and acting. The earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm). For example, 'longsword' is related to the German 'langshwert', and 'bastard sword' from the French 'pe btarde',but they all refer to the same basic form, a double edged sword with a grip large enough to be used with two hands. Tony Willis, "A Pair of Scottish Swords", Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of premodern combat weapons Swords, "Pappenheimer | Define Pappenheimer at Dictionary.com", "SOCIETY:: WEAPONS:: THRUSTING AND CUTTING WEAPONS [1] image - Visual Dictionary Online", "Search Chambers - Free English Dictionary", "A Perfect Length II: The Longsword | Encased in Steel", "Sword types in prize playing - The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts", "The Raymond J. Lord Collection of Historical Combat Treatises and fencing manuals: Terms of Use", "dictionary:: Panzerstecher [Blankwaffe]:: German-English translation", "Philadelphia Museum of Art - Collections Object: Tuck (Panzerstecher)", "Hermann Historica - Internationales Auktionshaus fr Antiken, Alte Wa", "Glossaire archologique du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance", "Ethnographic Arms & Armour - Article: Notes on development of modern sabers - Role of Eastern Europe & the Hussars", "Stradioti: Balkan Mercenaries In Fifteenth And Sixteenth Century Italy", "estradiot: dfinition de estradiot, citations, exemples et usage pour estradiot dans le dictionnaire de franais Littr adapt du grand dictionnaire de la langue franaise d'Emile Littr", Best and most powerful martial arts, fight science, Top Quality Bokken/ Katana Sword available for Martial Arts training, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Classification_of_swords&oldid=1128493319, Articles that may contain original research from October 2012, All articles that may contain original research, Articles with disputed statements from August 2013, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles containing Yue Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2013, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2014, Articles with self-published sources from August 2022, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Old High German (ca. In comparison, a shortsword's blade is about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). The term hand and . The Blunted Blade is made from hardened spring steel with a full tang construction. One example how a sword can be used this way is to thrust the tip of the crossguard at the opponent's head right after parrying a stroke. [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. [59][60] The scimitar proper was the Stradioti saber,[61][62] and the term was introduced into France by Philippe de Commines (1447 18 October 1511) as cimeterre,[63] Italy (especially the Venetian Republic who hired the stradioti as mercenaries) as scimitarra, and England as cimeter or scimitar via the French and Italian terms. A sword called by these names would most likely have a blade length of 33 to 40+ inches and a grip and pommel that one can get both hands placed comfortably upon. ca. [13] Venezia, fine secolo XV. It was prevalent during the late medieval and Renaissance periods (approximately 1350 to 1550), with early and late use reaching into the 12th and 17th centuries. The longsword was a quick, effective, and versatile weapon capable of deadly thrusts, slices, and cuts. More . Folio 158 v.). Types XVIIIb and XVIIIc represent the later longswords of the mid-15th to early 16th centuries. 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. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands -- that doesn't make sense. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. HAND AND A HALF SWORD. For example, there is a longsword in The Glasgow Art and History Museum, Labelled XIIIa. [8] [49] Modern versions of the katana are sometimes made using non-traditional materials and methods. All these newly introduced or redefined terms add to the confusion of the matter. Buy the medieval Albrecht Hand-and-a-Half Swords for $ 299.99. This versatility was unique, as multiple works hold that the longsword provided the foundations for learning a variety of other weapons including spears, staves, and polearms. @d-a-half-sw. These swords were too heavy to be wielded one-handed and possessed a large grip for leverage. The tip of the sword blade is . The term "single-handed sword" (or "one-handed sword") is a retronym coined to disambiguate from "two-handed" or "hand-and-a-half" specimens. 750-1050)-language text, Articles containing Russian-language text, Articles containing Hungarian-language text, Articles containing Ukrainian-language text, Articles containing Turkish-language text, Articles containing Persian-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 20 December 2022, at 11:53. The last known German manual to include longsword teaching was that of Jakob Sutor, published in 1612. A term that was coined by Italian curators. Elizabethans used descriptive terms such as "short", "bastard", and "long" which emphasized the length of the blade, and "two-handed" for any sword that could be wielded by two hands. Fine secolo XIV Lunghezza totale cm 108. All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. Optimized for armored combat, their blades were steeply pointed, suggesting that their primary function was to pierce armor. . Includes a leather belt frog and scabbard with belt stop. Daggers were loot/spoils. Dual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core Fittings : Mild Steel Blade Thickness: 1.34 mm Total Length: 45 . 3 Reviews; 3 Reviews. The hand-and-a-half sword had a size between a one-handed sword and a two-handed sword. However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. They were in use during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry.