The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with the medieval knightly sword and the Renaissance-era Zweihnder. [30] However, George Silver and Joseph Swetnam refer to them merely as "two hande sworde". Often also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword. It was "[a sword] which was neither French, nor Spanish, nor properly Landsknecht [German], but longer than any of these sturdy swords. The blade could be the same length as a single-hand sword but the tang and the grip . $225.00. It could also be used one-handed against lightly armored archers from horseback and two-handed for thrusting attacks against heavily armored opponents. The blade length is about 70 to 80 cm (28-32 inches). Leather / Wood Scabbard with Steel Fittings. 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. Some had straight or curved quillons (arms of the crossguard), side rings, finger rings, and loop-back guards. In terms of weight, a typical hand-and-a-half sword weighed roughly 2.4 to 4 pounds (1.1 to 1.8 kg). Sponsored. NE 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. These swords are distinctly made for use in one or two hands and have the grip length and reach to be used as longswords as described in the material fromthe Liechtenauer tradition and Fiore de Libre. 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. Lengths usually ranged from 110 cm to 150 cm, with 120 to 125 cm probably being the median. germ. 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. A sword with a single hand grip length but longsword blade length The so called "hand and a half" swords Longswords/Greatswords that could be effectively used one handed but were usually used with both making it hard to describe as strictly a one hander or two hander J Jonathon Belt Joined Aug 20, 2011 Messages 40 Aug 14, 2013 #8 30-40 Inches (3) 40-50 Inches (21) 50-60 Inches (2) Product Includes. The 1410 manuscript by Fiore dei Liberi presents a variety of uses for the longsword. [17]:7373,plate 67 The cross has been shown to be used as a hook for tripping or knocking an opponent off balance. Jun 13, 2018. By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. The basket-hilted sword is a sword type of the early modern era characterised by a basket-shaped guard that protects the hand. 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 idea for the spatha came from the swords of ancient Celts in Germany and Britain. They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. : 4 3/4" Grip Length: 6 7/8" Blade: [C60 High Carbon Steel] Manufacturer: Deepeeka [6] Historical European Martial Arts associations have turned the term spada da lato[7] into "side-sword". This hand-and-a-half sword is based on several historical originals. [25] The term passot comes from the fact that these swords passed (passaient) the length of a "normal" short sword. The hilts (handles) range from 8 to 16 inches long to provide room for gauntleted hands. . 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. [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. 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. 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. 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. Longswords have straight, double-edged blades and are small enough to be drawn from the belt. Pal. "[20] Espe bastarde could also historically refer to a single-handed sword with a fairly long blade compared to other short swords. In the UK, the swords were supposedly weapons of a long dead great grandfather in British Navy. 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 Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. A term that was coined by Italian curators. Hand-and-a-Half Style Hilt Padded Leather Grip Tapered Blade for Slashing or Thrusting Now Available in Standard or Fully Tempered Carbon Steel Blade Full Tang Models on Sale To Order Model No. 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]. By the 16th century, its military use was mostly obsolete, culminating in the brief period where the oversized Zweihnder were wielded by the German Landsknechte during the early to mid 16th century. These swords were too heavy to be wielded one-handed and possessed a large grip for leverage. Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. The waisted grip, featuring a wider center tapering toward the pommel, allowed better control of the weapon. 44. Middle Ages Warrior Short Broadsword With Black Sheath - Double-Edged Sharp Blade - 22 1/2" Length. Grip Length: 7.5 inches; Overall Length: 46.5 inches; Blade thickness (base): 4.6 mm; Blade thickness (1" from tip): 3.0 mm; Guard Width: 10 inches; The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with . This sword tends to have a guard that is slightly loose. 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. First quarter of the 9th c. A.D. (Stuttgart: Wurt. This is very popular . The hook sword, twin hooks, fu tao or shuang gou (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: or ; pinyin: Gou), also known as hu tou gou (tiger head hook), is a Chinese weapon traditionally associated with northern styles of Chinese martial arts and Wushu weapons routines, but now often practiced by southern styles as well. [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). It's typically used as an intermediate weapon for those learning how to use a real longsword. Though deemed a Hand and a Half sword, this sword has a grip length and handling characteristics that would be fitting for a longsword. Landesbib. 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. Pen & Sword Books Limited. There is no historical Italian equivalent to the English word "rapier". 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. [citation needed] The two handed claymore is an early Scottish version of a greatsword. Optimized for armored combat, their blades were steeply pointed, suggesting that their primary function was to pierce armor. It remains identifiable as a type during the period of about 1350 to 1550. The long grip gives the wielder plenty of leverage to maneuver the sword quickly and to strike decisively. The French pe de passot was also known as pe btarde[citation needed] (i.e., bastard sword) and also coustille croix[23] (literally a cross-hilted blade). It is considered possible for strong blows of the sword against plate armour to damage the blade of the sword, potentially rendering it much less effective at cutting and producing only a concussive effect against the armoured opponent. 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. "Single-handed sword" is used by Sir Walter Scott. The bastard sword had a two-edged blade that tapered into a point and weighed around 5-8 pounds, it was usually around 40 to 48 inches in length. Sword Length: 42 5/8". It was the typical knights sword of the 15th century designed for thrusting against vulnerable points in plate armor. Important sources for rapier fencing include the Italian Bolognese group, with early representatives such as Antonio . Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. 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. 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. The medieval longsword could include the earlier grete war swords, hand-and-a-half or bastard swords, and estocs. Overall 39 inches. Longswords or . [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. 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. #4. A Rare All-Steel Left-Hand DaggerThird Quarter Of The 16th Century, Probably Spanish. Fourteenth Century Length overall 124 cm. Includes Scabbard or Sheath (19) Weight: 50oz Blade Thickness: 1/5" Blade Length: 33-1/2" Blade Steel: 1060 Carbon Handle Length/Material: 12" Overall Length: 45-1/2" Additional Features: Leather / Wood Scabbard with Steel Fittings. So, what benefits (if any) does a hand-and-a-half sword offer? They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow-ground. Others also had knuckle guards, particularly the Swiss style. Hand-and-a-Half (44) Length. These terms were often described in relation to other unrelated weapons, without regard to their intended use and fighting style. This . or example, 'longsword' is related to the German 'langshwert', and 'bastard sword' from the French 'pe btarde', Take the Survey (takes 2 minutes or less). Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. Sword Mounting Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. This type of sword had a thickened back to the blade (opposite the cutting edge), which gave the blade strength. 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]. While slashing attacks were still moderately effective against infantry wearing half-plate armour, cutting and slicing attacks against an opponent wearing plate armour were almost entirely ineffective in providing any sort of slashing wound as the sword simply could not cut through the steel, although a combatant could aim for the chinks in a suit of armour, sometimes to great effect. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. Many different swords fall into this category and many of them are as maneuverable as they are surprisingly sturdy. 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. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. Includes a leather belt frog and scabbard with belt stop. The term "single-handed sword" (or "one-handed sword") is a retronym coined to disambiguate from "two-handed" or "hand-and-a-half" specimens. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. Scabbard. 15th Century. ], Antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). Rather than restricting its use to either one or two hands, it allows for both types of wielding. 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. This manual, unfortunately for modern scholars, was written in obscure verse. They represent larger versions of type XII and type XIII swords which were the standard. Bastard Sword. 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. By the late 16th century, early forms of the developed-hilt appear on this type of sword. The specific term used to describe these swords in period varied by region as listed above. In medieval fight books, the crossguard and pommel can be used for striking. SPADA SCHIAVONESCA. 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. Another technique would be the Mordstreich (lit. Great swords or greatswords are related to the long swords of the Middle Ages. 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.) As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. Recommended Products Windlass Rustblocker Special Offer (Reg $24.95) [+$21.95] Flitz Care Kit Special Offer (Reg $26.95) [+$21.95] In stock BUY NOW OVERVIEW 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. 2023, Arms & Armor @d-a-half-sw. The tip of the sword blade is . The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. The last known German manual to include longsword teaching was that of Jakob Sutor, published in 1612. All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. The hand-and-a-half swords had straight, double-edged blades. Most are leather covered with metal chape and throat. [5]:133[15] It was coined by modern collectors in the 19th century to refer to how the weapon is wielded. Bastard Sword Sren Niedziella from Denmark . Hand-and-a-Half Sword. 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. 1400-1430 On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373. Maximum Diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.) Others also had hexagonal cross-sections that cut poorly towards the tip. 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 bastard sword also had a long thin long blade that tapered into a point. [2] Navigation menu . 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. 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. Early depictions of a sword in two hands show swords such as the A&A Hungarian Sword used to deliver these blows. The Elizabethan long sword (cf. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. (2012). The sword is made of carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of HRC 54 ? 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 Types XVIIIb and XVIIIc represent the later longswords of the mid-15th to early 16th centuries. Swords with exceptionally long hilts are found throughout the High Middle Ages. They were made from wood, lined with cloth, and bound in leather. 3 European single handed sword. [40][41][42] Early models were either two-handers or "hand-and-a-half" hilted,[43] while later 16th and 17th century models (also known as koncerz) were one-handed and used by cavalry. The hand-and-a-half sword had a size between a one-handed sword and a two-handed sword. 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. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. It is considered "The General of All Weapons". were used to label weapons of similar appearance but of different historical periods, regional cultures and fabrication technology. Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. After a Brief exchange with the Questioner in another answer, I have gotten an approximation of what recurve profile has been asked upon. A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. Frontline Books. Made from 5160 high-carbon steel, this functional sword has a double-edge blade. In comparison, a shortsword's blade is about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). Dual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core Fittings : Mild Steel Blade Thickness: 1.34 mm Total Length: 45 . The hand-and-a-half swords had long, slender blades and sharp points that could penetrate the gaps in the opponents armor. Its handle featured a waisted shape, tapering towards shorter, thinner half-grips. Sword Length: 42 5/8". The Scabbard All Hanwei western medieval swords come with a nicely made scabbard. It is ideal for HEMA study - recreating the longswords from Fiore, Talhoffer, etc. "arming sword", "broadsword", "long sword", etc.) [citation needed], The tuck may also get its name from the verb "to tuck" which means "to shorten". Daggers were loot/spoils. Our Medieval Hand and a Half Sword with Blunted Blade is a Battle Ready sword designed to be used for Stage Combat. [24] The pe de passot was the sidearm of the franc-archers (French or Breton bowmen of the 15th and 16th centuries). From cut to thrust: The, Hand-and-a-Half Sword vs. 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. 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. A longer and broader blade which widened slightly towards the handle. 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 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. Half-swording (German halbschwert) refers to the technique of gripping the middle of the blade with the left hand to better control the tip of the sword. Scabbards protected the sword from dampness, rain, and were typically reinforced by a metal chape at the tip. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. Hand and a Half Sword 88HNH medieval bastard sword by Cold Steel. . It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry. $349.99. During half-swording, the entirety of the sword works as a weapon, including the pommel and crossguard. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword.[9]. 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. A channel ran down about half of the blade. SPADA DI STOCCO. Warspike Knight's Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword $95 In Stock! 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).. They are a sub-class . Hand-and-a-half swords have special half-grips that can be used with either one or both hands. Leadingthe research, replication and understanding ofarms and armor for over 37 years, creating exceptional items for those who appreciate history and its material culture. Properties. Advantages of Hand-and-a-Half Swords ; M. Rector, Trans.). . 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. [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. 100-122 cm (39-48 in) Width. It was a specialist weapon wielded by certain Landsknechte (mercenary soldiers), so-called Doppelsldners. The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use. The longsword has many names in the English language, which, aside from variant spellings, include terms such as "bastard sword" and "hand-and-a-half sword." We will never share your information with anybody else cross our hearts, hope to die, stick a sharp sword in our (ok, this just got a little silly). [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. 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 most common form is also known as the Chinese sabre, although those with wider blades are sometimes referred to as Chinese broadswords. The backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. The Filipino islands are widely known for their vast assortment of edged weapons. Minneapolis Minnesota The hanger (obs. Folio 158 v.). Apparently, many swords were designed for left-hand use, although left-handed swords have been described as "a rarity".[12]. 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. Unlike the xiphos, which is a thrusting weapon, the kopis was a hacking weapon in the form of a thick, curved single edged iron sword. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title.