The medieval longsword could include the earlier grete war swords, hand-and-a-half or bastard swords, and estocs. The longsword was a quick, effective, and versatile weapon capable of deadly thrusts, slices, and cuts. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). Swordsmen were trained to use the dulled side for defensive and blocking techniques. In the UK, the swords were supposedly weapons of a long dead great grandfather in British Navy. The #034 Black Prince a Type XVa Longsword, Durer Bastard Sword #195 a Type XVIII Longsword. All these newly introduced or redefined terms add to the confusion of the matter. ], Antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. Battle Ready Albrecht Hand and a Half Swords for Sale Dao are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. [25], The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed[26] "two hande sworde", "bastard sworde", and "longe sworde" as separate items (as it should in Joseph Swetnam's context). Longsword, bastard sword, and hand-and-a-half sword are all names used to describe a variety of medieval European swords. The name hand-and-a-half is not a historical term. The hanger (obs. What are the dimensions/measurements of a historically accurate hand 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. The 34 inch blade on that tends to be like 2 inches wide and 6mm+ thick and tapering . 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. Type XVII is a shorter-lived type, popular during the mid-14th to early 15th century. the same height as the user) such as the Oakeshott type XIIa or Oakeshott type XIIIa. Print ; $299-$141. [2] Navigation menu . Honestly, your best bet for undestanding the dimensions of a historically accurate sword would be to have a look at museum pieces and moder. During half-swording, the entirety of the sword works as a weapon, including the pommel and crossguard. The English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. 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. 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). Top is some kind of dress sword, bottom is cavalry saber? Another technique would be the Mordstreich (lit. 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. 2023, Arms & Armor Leather Wrapped Handle. Blade Length: 107.3 cm (42 1/4 in.) They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. The Fitzwilliam Museum - Hand-and-a-half sword: HEN.M.188-1933 "murder stroke"), where the weapon is held by the blade (hilt, pommel and crossguard serving as an improvised hammer head) and swung, taking advantage of the balance being close to the hilt to increase the concussive effect (see the fighter on the right of the Codex Wallerstein picture).[26]. Some of these terms originate contemporaneously with the weapons which they describe. Both schools declined in the late 16th century, with the later Italian masters forgoing the longsword and focusing primarily on rapier fencing. The arming sword, also called the knightly sword, had a short grip and was designed to be wielded with one hand. This type of sword had a thickened back to the blade (opposite the cutting edge), which gave the blade strength. It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry. SBA-WARSPIKE-T $158 Out of Stock Deepeeka - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword - Kult of Athena In some instances, the crossguard could hook the shield or the weapon away and even trip the enemy. By the early 16th century, hand-and-a-half swords continued to be used by knights and men-at-arms in knightly duels and sporting competitions. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Perhaps. Early depictions of a sword in two hands show swords such as the A&A Hungarian Sword used to deliver these blows. These terms were often described in relation to other unrelated weapons, without regard to their intended use and fighting style. [8] With the Irish Hand and Half Sword, you swiftly break through the enemy lines and claim victory for your army this morn. Deepeeka Spadona Review - sword-buyers-guide.com Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. Hand-and-a half varieties typically have a blade length between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. The cutlass or curtal-axe also known as a falchion (French badelaire, braquemart,[54] coutelas,[55] malchus; Italian coltellaccio, storta; German messer,[56] dussack, malchus) is a broad-bladed curved hanger or long knife. Longswords vs Two Handed Swords - Arms & Armor [6] Historical European Martial Arts associations have turned the term spada da lato[7] into "side-sword". Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. [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. Hand and a Half Swords - Medieval Collectibles Others also had knuckle guards, particularly the Swiss style. From the late 15th century, however, it is also attested as being worn and used by unarmoured soldiers or mercenaries. Sword Dimensions? | BladeForums.com The basket hilt is a development of the quillons added to swords' crossguards since the Late Middle Ages. 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. 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. 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. Weight 1700 g. 5144. The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use. The term hand-and-a-half or bastard sword became a label to denote the later manifestations of these war swords or longswords. It is considered "The General of All Weapons". . [17]:7373,plate 67 The cross has been shown to be used as a hook for tripping or knocking an opponent off balance. [53] The term 'falchion' may also refer to the early cutlass. By The Sword, Inc. - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword 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. The tip is 0.9 inch side and 0.20 inches thick. Hand-and-a-half sword | Inheriwiki | Fandom All parts of the sword are used for offensive purposes, including the pommel and crossguard. If wielded in one hand, the hand-and-a-half sword functioned similarly to an arming sword, though its balance would be slightly different. More details . Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor, Williams, G. (2014). Use in the Inheritance cycle . By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. Among most Greek warriors, this weapon had an iron blade of about 60 centimetres. The names derive from words popular at different times and places. The French pe de passot may also refer to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. GOTHIC HAND AND A HALF SWORD. What would be the best length for a sword with a hand and a half hilt The waisted grip, featuring a wider center tapering toward the pommel, allowed better control of the weapon. Access this answer and support the author as a Quora+ subscriber Longsword | Medieval Wiki | Fandom Types XVIIIb and XVIIIc represent the later longswords of the mid-15th to early 16th centuries. In China, the dao is considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with the gun (stick or staff), qiang (spear), and the jian (sword). The hand-and-a-half swords had long, slender blades and sharp points that could penetrate the gaps in the opponents armor. 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? [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. 'Bastard' Sword (hand-and-a-half sword) - Hundred Years' War - Royal Add to cart. The term referred to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. Irish Hand and Half Sword by Legacy Arms - CAS Iberia However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. When wielded two-handed, they become brutally effective slashing or chopping weapons. [13] Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. The later hardened plate armours, complete with ridges and roping, posed a threat against the careless attacker. The blade is 79cm in length and constructed from a rugged 1060 spring steel and through . Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the "Grete Swords of War" of the 13thC. The hilts (handles) range from 8 to 16 inches long to provide room for gauntleted hands. The khopesh is an ancient Egyptian curved short sword with a length of approx. Properties. Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point. 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. These swords were what we today call a "Hand and a Half" sword, or rather swords that can be utilized for either one-handed or two-handed use. It does not mean that these blades could not cut well, though they were less optimized for slashing. The lack of significant torso and limb protection leads to the use of a large amount of cutting and slicing techniques in addition to thrusts. Product description. In medieval fight books, the crossguard and pommel can be used for striking. COLD STEEL HAND AND A HALF SWORD DEADLIEST WEAPONS One of Lynn's favorites.Hand-And-A-Half Sword. In later usage, 'cutlass' referred to the short naval boarding sabre. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword.[9]. As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. These swords have long cruciform hilts with grips over 10 to 15 inches in length, which provide room for two hands. 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. Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. 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. On the other hand, those with stainless steel blades are only meant for decoration while LARP versions have foam blades. 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 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).. Apparently, many swords were designed for left-hand use, although left-handed swords have been described as "a rarity".[12]. [17]:plate 58 Some manuals even depict the cross as a hammer. [5]:130 These all seem to have originated in Bavaria and in Switzerland. [17]:plates 128150, Another variation of use comes from the use of armour. [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. 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. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 20-30 Inches (1) 30-40 Inches (6) 40-50 Inches (35) 50-60 Inches (2 . In modern history, many of these terms have been given specific, often arbitrary meanings that are unrelated to any of their historical meanings. The Scottish name "claymore" (Scottish Gaelic: claidheamh mr, lit. 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. They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. Seconds Medieval European Hand and Half Bastard Sword Through Tempered The Warspike combines the length of a long arming sword, the hilt of a small hand-and-a-half, and just a hint of a "tuck" thrusting blade. NE $225.00. In HEMA, the term longsword refers to all swords with grips long enough to accommodate two hands yet lightweight enough to wield in one hand. Jian (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: jin; Cantonese: gim) is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. One-handed swords are shorter and lighter, but they allow the user to wield a second weapon or shield. 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 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. [24] The pe de passot was the sidearm of the franc-archers (French or Breton bowmen of the 15th and 16th centuries). Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. Ships in 3-7 days. The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. [citation needed], The tuck may also get its name from the verb "to tuck" which means "to shorten". 8 . 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]. Buy the medieval Albrecht Hand-and-a-Half Swords for $ 299.99. The most common form is also known as the Chinese sabre, although those with wider blades are sometimes referred to as Chinese broadswords. Tough, rigid and durable. Hand-and-a-half swords have special half-grips that can be used with either one or both hands. From cut to thrust: The, Hand-and-a-Half Sword vs. Lengths usually ranged from 110 cm to 150 cm, with 120 to 125 cm probably being the median. These blades are long, slender and acutely tapering, approaching the outline of type XVa, while still retaining a narrow hexagonal cross-section and a shallow fuller running along about one quarter of the blade. 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. Some had broad parallel edges to those with acute tapers from the guard to a spike like point and many variations in between. Our Medieval Hand and a Half Sword with Blunted Blade is a Battle Ready sword designed to be used for Stage Combat. 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.. Half-swording was a manner of using both hands, one on the hilt and one on the blade, to better control the weapon in thrusts and jabs. 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 . Optimized for armored combat, their blades were steeply pointed, suggesting that their primary function was to pierce armor. . SPADA DI STOCCO. 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. . Irish Hand and Half Sword - Medieval Collectibles A tradition of teaching based on this has survived in contemporary French and Italian stick fighting.[24]. 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 . In the Oakeshott typology of blade morphology, "longswords" figure as a range of sub-types of the corresponding single-handed sword types.[16]. [21] Others provided similar work, some with a wide array of images to accompany the text.[22]. 100-122 cm (39-48 in) Width. Hand and a Half Swords - Dark Knight Armoury 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.