The hands and forearms are a frequent target of some cuts and slices in a defensive or offensive manoeuvre, serving both to disable an opponent and align the swordsman and his weapon for the next attack. [citation needed] The small sword was the immediate predecessor of the pe de Combat from which the pe developed[45] and its method of useas typified in the works of such authors as Sieur de Liancour, Domenico Angelo, Monsieur J. Olivier, and Monsieur L'Abbatdeveloped into the techniques of the French classical school of fencing. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. In the UK, the swords were supposedly weapons of a long dead great grandfather in British Navy. The backsword blade was cheaper to manufacture than a two-edged blade. It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry. 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed two handed sword and bastard sword as two separate items. Add to cart. The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. They are a sub-class . (2012). Longsword, bastard sword, and hand-and-a-half sword are all names used to describe a variety of medieval European swords. The grip was somewhat larger than the grip of a one-handed sword so that . This type includes the 14th to 15th century "hand and a half sword" or "two-handed" swords, often with two or more fullers. The longsword as a late medieval type of sword emerges in the 14th century, as a military steel weapon of the earlier phase of the Hundred Years' War. Specifications: Overall Length: 43" Blade Length: 33" Weight: 3 lbs Edge: Unsharpened Width: 4.7 mm - 3.6 mm Pommel: Nut P.O.B. 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. 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. Overall 39 inches. By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. The hand-and-a-half sword also belongs to Oakeshott types XVIa, XVII, and XVIIIa. The khopesh is an ancient Egyptian curved short sword with a length of approx. [citation needed] In French, estoc also means thrust or point; and estoc et taille means cut and thrust. This sword tends to have a guard that is slightly loose. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. [30] However, George Silver and Joseph Swetnam refer to them merely as "two hande sworde". [5]:133[15] They possess an elongated grip which can easily accommodate both hands but they are generally well balanced enough to be wielded in one hand. ca. Total Length: 1060mm; Blade Length: 790mm ; Hilt Length: 270mm ; Guard Width: 255mm ; Total Weight: 765g; View All Close. [6] Historical European Martial Arts associations have turned the term spada da lato[7] into "side-sword". 8 . A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. The distance between the hands obviously increases the leverage that combatant could exert on the weapon. The distinction between two-handed swords and longswords can be confusing, and the deeper you delve into marginal cases the less clear the distinction can become. Hand-and-a-half swords initially had a plain crossguard but later featured extensive hand guards. Properties. In medieval fight books, the crossguard and pommel can be used for striking. 4.14-3.1 cm, then sharp point. It's typically used as an intermediate weapon for those learning how to use a real longsword. Furthermore, there is a deprecation of the term "broadsword" by these associations. were used to label weapons of similar appearance but of different historical periods, regional cultures and fabrication technology. [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. 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 . 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]. It was a specialist weapon wielded by certain Landsknechte (mercenary soldiers), so-called Doppelsldners. The tip is 0.9 inch side and 0.20 inches thick. 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. 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. . [26] Instead, the energy of the cut becomes essentially pure concussive energy. Today, it is among the most common weapons used in HEMA. The Scottish name "claymore" (Scottish Gaelic: claidheamh mr, lit. Of these, "bastard sword" is the oldest, its use being contemporaneous with the weapon's heyday. 3 European single handed sword. [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. 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. The hand could grip above or below the half-grip, or directly at the middle. A defining characteristic of the sword isn't the overall length, it's the length of the handle. It is uncertain whether the same term could still be used to other types of smaller swords, but antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. 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. Fourteenth Century Length overall 124 cm. Dual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core Fittings : Mild Steel Blade Thickness: 1.34 mm Total Length: 45 . whinyard, whinger, cuttoe), wood-knife, or hunting sword is a long knife or short sword that hangs from the belt and was popular as both a hunting tool and weapon of war.[50][51]. Overall lenght 118,5 cm - Wheight 1300 g. 5152 . 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 Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. These techniques could be nearly instantly fatal or incapacitating, as a thrust to the skull, heart, or major blood vessel would cause massive trauma. Cod. The cross sections of the blades also varied a great deal. 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. On the contrary, the hand-and-a-half sword had a longer grip to allow it to be wielded with one or two hands, delivering a more powerful blow in one stroke if necessary. Handle Length. More . "arming sword", "broadsword", "long sword", etc.) It was not defined, as we do today, by specific lengths or forms. Price Availability* Description SBA-WARSPIKE $ 95 14 In Stock The Warspike: Knight Longsword Engrave this item for $20 . As an example, the Type XIX blade cross section are not as common as they seem to be in the surviving historical examples, and the tuck style blade is rarely seen at all in modern production and is often only done as a custom order. In later usage, 'cutlass' referred to the short naval boarding sabre. In modern history, many of these terms have been given specific, often arbitrary meanings that are unrelated to any of their historical meanings. Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections. Sign up for our mailing-list and be alerted to new products, special sales, limited product availability, and more. And this is why it remains a popular sword type even after all of those years. The top hand would push, and the bottom hand would pull; this gave extra leverage thus the sword would be easier to swing, ignoring much of its weight. The Elizabethan long sword (cf. It was the typical knights sword of the 15th century designed for thrusting against vulnerable points in plate armor. Kodachi vs Wakizashi: What's the Difference? 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. [10] It is also used as a possible gloss of the obscure term tonsword by Nares (1822);[11] "one-handed sword" is somewhat later, recorded from c. 1850. 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. 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. Handle Length. 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 English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. Scabbards protected the sword from dampness, rain, and were typically reinforced by a metal chape at the tip. The hand-and-a-half sword had a size between a one-handed sword and a two-handed sword. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. ], Antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. This is very popular . HEMA practitioners also use steel swords with unsharpened blades designed to bend in the thrust. The Spartan version was typically only 3045 centimetres. The guard is also cast of the same extremely hard stainless steel alloy. [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. Two-Hander Longsword DJ Combat Two-Hander Longsword (2 reviews) Write a Review SKU: DD-W-206 $110.00 Quantity: Description Specifications Made from polypropylene. After looking around, we'd appreciate 2 minutes of your timeto answer 3 short questions about your experience. However they mainly saw prominence outside the battlefield as a duelling weapon. 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 Swordsmen were trained to use the dulled side for defensive and blocking techniques. Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. Bastard Sword Sren Niedziella from Denmark . One-handed swords are shorter and lighter, but they allow the user to wield a second weapon or shield. 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. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. Leather Wrapped Handle. An Italian Two-Hand Sword First Half Of The 16th Century. Their handles have recognizable waist and bottle shapes which give a comfortable hold of the weapon. However, a section on one-handed use is among the volume and demonstrates the techniques and advantages, such as sudden additional reach, of single-handed longsword play. 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. 2023, Arms & Armor They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. 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). Pal. Honshu Damascus Broadsword With Sheath - Damascus Steel Blade, TPR Handle, Stainless Steel Pommel - Length 43 1/2". Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. . Our Medieval Hand and a Half Sword with Blunted Blade is a Battle Ready sword designed to be used for Stage Combat. Well, the most notable benefit of this sword type is the ability to use it with another weapon or shield. We see these depicted in art beginning in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages Miniature from Stuttgart Psalter, Ps 143, 10, showing David and Goliath. The 19cm grip is constructed from timber, covered in faux leather with a sewn seam which is then cord wrapped for extra strength. Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. A longsword (also spelled long sword, long-sword) is a type of European sword characterized as having a cruciform hilt with a grip for two handed use and a straight double-edged blade of around 100 to 122 cm (39 to 48 in . Most hand-and-a-half swords had a diamond cross-section with a central ridge, creating a more rigid blade and specialized anti-armor tip for thrusting. 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 30 cm or 6 to 12 in), a straight double-edged blade of around 80 to 110 cm (31 to 43 in), and weighing approximately 1 to 1.5 kg (2 lb 3 oz to 3 lb 5 oz).. There is a wide assortment of Kris swords styles to choose from as each island, region, clan, or school has its own favorite with some putting more emphasis on cutting while others favor styles more conducive for thrusting. Expand Favorite View PDF Fencing longsword ("hand-and-a-half" sword) Culture German Datelate 1500s Mediumsteel, wood and leather DimensionsOverall length: 141.5 cm (55 3/4 in.) [13] 1d6 slashing. Functionally, swords become more maneuverable, powerful, and fast when the handle is gripped with two hands. 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. The hand and a half blade is used for thrusting and the length of the blade is not any longer than the long sword. The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with . Folio 158 v.). [citation needed] The two handed claymore is an early Scottish version of a greatsword. 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. Minneapolis Minnesota 8 gp. Hans Talhoffer, a mid-15th-century German fightmaster, is probably the most prominent, using a wide variety of moves, most resulting in wrestling. It was "[a sword] which was neither French, nor Spanish, nor properly Landsknecht [German], but longer than any of these sturdy swords. The term hand-and-a-half is more of modern designation for a range of sword types that featured tapered blades longer than the common shorter arming swords of the time but without the double-hand grips of larger heavier war-swords. 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. The term hand and . Fine secolo XIV Lunghezza totale cm 108. SWORD, late 14th century, . Also, the hand on the blade increases its rigidity which is advantageous when thrusting. 100-122 cm (39-48 in) Width. 452. [44], The "tuck" (French estoc, Italian stocco)[citation needed] is an edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section used for thrusting. Similarly, strong strikes could cut through skin and bone, effectively amputating limbs. [citation needed]. Dao are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. [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. Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point. There is no historical Italian equivalent to the English word "rapier". Frontline Books. 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 point would be to hold the grip with one hand at the top of the grip, and one hand at the bottom. The German langes Schwert ("long sword") in 15th-century manuals did not necessarily denote a type of weapon, but the technique of fencing with both hands at the hilt. Special, versatile (1d8) The middle ground between an arming sword and a longsword --sometimes called a "hand and a half sword"-- this blade's hilt is short enough to be used in one hand while also being long enough to warrant two hands if needed though it isn't as effective as a longsword . A hand-and-a-half sword is a weapon either with a flat blade or with diamond or lenticular cross-section that's between 22 to 30 inches. The Spartiats were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. The basket-hilted sword is a sword type of the early modern era characterised by a basket-shaped guard that protects the hand. The medieval longsword could include the earlier grete war swords, hand-and-a-half or bastard swords, and estocs. Regardless, the sword's defining characteristics remain the same: it can be used with either one hand or both hands. In southern Germany, it persisted into the 1560s, but its use also declined during the second half of the 16th century. Some of these terms originate contemporaneously with the weapons which they describe. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. ; M. Rector, Trans.). [citation needed], The sabre (US saber) or shable (French sabre, Spanish sable, Italian sciabola, German Sbel, Russian sablya, Hungarian szablya, Polish szabla, Ukrainian shablya) is a single-edged curved bladed cavalry sword.[57]. There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. Often also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword. They were in use during the 14th and 15th centuries. They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. Quantity. They also had a pommel that counterbalanced the weight of the blade, improving its maneuverability. [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. 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. The grip of the hand and a half sword was long enough to accommodate one hand or two hands when used in combat. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. Another technique would be the Mordstreich (lit. 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 #034 Black Prince a Type XVa Longsword, Durer Bastard Sword #195 a Type XVIII Longsword. Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods And Techniques, Medieval Military Technology, Second Edition. However, a third type is a hand-and-a-half sword. 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. [17]:1516 The blade was generally used with both hands on the hilt, one resting close to or on the pommel. [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. 55413 United States. Hand and a Half Sword 88HNH medieval bastard sword by Cold Steel. [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. Historical (15th to 16th century) terms for this type of sword included Portuguese espada-de-armas, estoque or espada de duas mos for the version with longer handle used exclusively with both hands; Spanish espadn, montante, or mandoble, Italian spada longa (lunga) or spada due mani (Bolognese), and Middle French passot.