However, a third type is a hand-and-a-half sword. [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. As its name suggests, it had an advantage in terms of greater reach over the so-called short sword or arming sword. Scabbard. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing). The blade could be the same length as a single-hand sword but the tang and the grip . This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 01:56. The French pe de passot may also refer to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. After looking around, we'd appreciate 2 minutes of your timeto answer 3 short questions about your experience. "Single-handed sword" is used by Sir Walter Scott. Sword Mounting Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. Two-handed swords, on the other hand, are long and heavy, making them particularly effective at dealing critical blows. Blade Length: 107.3 cm (42 1/4 in.) Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. Leather Wrapped Handle. Ships in 3-7 days. A nonce attestation of "long-sword" in the sense of "heavy two-handed sword" is found in, Systematic use of the term only from 2001 beginning with, Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword A Summary, "Medieval and Renaissance Fencing Terminology", "Study of the Destructive Capabilities of the European Longsword", "The Two-Handed Great Sword Making lite of the issue of weight", "Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword: A Summary", Halflang and Tua Handit: Hand-and-a-Half and Two-Handed Scottish Swords, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Longsword&oldid=1141836737, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox weapon with unknown parameters, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Types XIIa and XIIIa represent the Great Sword or War Sword type used in the later 13th and in the 14th century. 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. ], Antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. Type XVII is a shorter-lived type, popular during the mid-14th to early 15th century. 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. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. The steeply pointed blade, indicating that it was primarily intended . We offer an array of these swords. On the other hand, those with stainless steel blades are only meant for decoration while LARP versions have foam blades. The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed two handed sword and bastard sword as two separate items. 8 . Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point. 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. As such, warriors using the hand-and-a-half sword were given more options. 1400-1430 On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373. Their handles have recognizable waist and bottle shapes which give a comfortable hold of the weapon. The English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. 3 European single handed sword. During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing).[9]. Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor, Williams, G. (2014). Folio 158 v.). The hand and a half length handle is 10 inches. Blade Length: 34.5 Inches ; Handle Length: 11.5 Inches ; Overall Length: 46 Inches ; Balance Point: 3.5 Inches Below Hilt ; Weight: 2 lbs. 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. 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. 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). [9] A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. After a Brief exchange with the Questioner in another answer, I have gotten an approximation of what recurve profile has been asked upon. [5], The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is relatively modern (from the late 19th century);[6] Overall lenght 118,5 cm - Wheight 1300 g. 5152 . SWORD, late 14th century, . They were hybrid swords that enabled blows to be delivered with the power of a two-handed sword but could also be wielded with one hand. The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged blade usually with a round guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. The sword is made of carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of HRC 54 ? 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. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword.[9]. This hand-and-half sword has a sharpened, darkened 1065 high carbon steel blade with an extra-wide tang. [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). Important sources for rapier fencing include the Italian Bolognese group, with early representatives such as Antonio . [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. They represent larger versions of type XII and type XIII swords which were the standard. Minneapolis Minnesota CAS Hanwei Hand-and-a-Half Sword SH2034 Brand: CAS Hanwei $40399 About this item Authentic replica of Museum Piece Fully functional Overall length: 44 1/2" Product Description The Hand-and-a-Half Sword is replicated from a sword thought to be that of Albrecht II of Austria and represents the pinnacle of beauty and balance in medieval swords. 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. If wielded in one hand, the hand-and-a-half sword functioned similarly to an arming sword, though its balance would be slightly different. 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. were used to label weapons of similar appearance but of different historical periods, regional cultures and fabrication technology. When wielded one-handed, they can be paired with a shield for extra defense. Access this answer and support the author as a Quora+ subscriber The Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mr means "great sword"; anglicised as claymore, it came to refer to a large Scottish type of longsword with a Vshaped crossguard. First quarter of the 9th c. A.D. (Stuttgart: Wurt. Most are leather covered with metal chape and throat. 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. Among most Greek warriors, this weapon had an iron blade of about 60 centimetres. Sword Length: 42 5/8". 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. 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. [27][28][29][self-published source? From the late 15th century, however, it is also attested as being worn and used by unarmoured soldiers or mercenaries. . [25] The term passot comes from the fact that these swords passed (passaient) the length of a "normal" short sword. Pen & Sword Books Limited. The hand-and-a-half sword was a balanced weapon that enabled one to use it with one or both hands. An Italian Two-Hand Sword First Half Of The 16th Century. There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. Rather, it's intended to be used with either one hand or both, depending on the user's preferences and the circumstances in which he or she is using it. Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods And Techniques, Medieval Military Technology, Second Edition. 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 . It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands that doesn't make sense. It is considered "The General of All Weapons". The German langes schwert ("long sword") in 15th and 16th-century manuals does not denote a type of weapon, but the technique of fencing with both hands at the hilt, contrasting with kurzes schwert ("short sword") used of fencing with the same weapon, but with one hand gripping the blade (also known as a half-sword).[11][12]. 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. [17]:plate 58 Some manuals even depict the cross as a hammer. Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. Like the German manuals, the weapon is most commonly depicted and taught with both hands on the hilt. 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. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). 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 . Non-sharpened. 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 tip is 0.9 inch side and 0.20 inches thick. The blade could range between 0.5 and 1m (1ft 8in and 3ft 3in) long while the handle was usually between 18 and 20cm (7 and 8in). A longsword is, obviously, longer than a shortsword. The hand-and-a-half swords had straight, double-edged blades. Similarly, strong strikes could cut through skin and bone, effectively amputating limbs. 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. Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections. [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. [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. Most longswords were made between the mid-14th century and the mid-16th century, and most of these measure approximately 120-150 cm overall (100-120 cm blade length) and weigh an average 1.5 kg. 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 . Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. The name hand-and-a-half is not a historical term. 30-40 Inches (3) 40-50 Inches (21) 50-60 Inches (2) Product Includes. The hand-and-a-half swords had long, slender blades and sharp points that could penetrate the gaps in the opponents armor. [8] Scabbard. The Cold Steel Kris series, which includes a sword and dagger, is something we hope all . Their specially shaped grips, usually bottle-shaped or waisted, gave better control and hold of the weapon. 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" Therein the basics of combat were described and, in some cases, depicted. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. 452. It is ideal for HEMA study - recreating the longswords from Fiore, Talhoffer, etc. [4] 55413 United States. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). [21] Others provided similar work, some with a wide array of images to accompany the text.[22]. 44. With the Irish Hand and Half Sword, you swiftly break through the enemy lines and claim victory for your army this morn. In some instances, the crossguard could hook the shield or the weapon away and even trip the enemy. Bastard medieval swords, also known as hand-and-a-half swords, are surprisingly diverse weapons. The Military History Book: The Ultimate Visual Guide to the Weapons that Shaped the World, Cut and Thrust: European Swords and Swordsmanship, Knight: The Warrior and World of Chivalry, Medieval Armies and Weapons in Western Europe: An Illustrated History, The Art of Sword Combat: A 1568 German Treatise on Swordsmanship. Bastard swords are also known as hand-and-a-half swords, falling between the longsword and greatsword in length. Venezia, fine secolo XV. In southern Germany, it persisted into the 1560s, but its use also declined during the second half of the 16th century. A tradition of teaching based on this has survived in contemporary French and Italian stick fighting.[24]. Top is some kind of dress sword, bottom is cavalry saber? Furthermore, there is a deprecation of the term "broadsword" by these associations. ; M. Rector, Trans.). 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. What kind of swords were used in medieval times? [citation needed]. Buy the medieval Albrecht Hand-and-a-Half Swords for $ 299.99. 4.14-3.1 cm, then sharp point. . Often also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword. Hand and a Half Sword 88HNH medieval bastard sword by Cold Steel. This sword is an extremely well proportioned and elegant example of a type that was in use throughout Western Europe from the late fourteenth through the fifteenth century. 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. It allowed more accurate and powerful thrusts against armored opponents. Some historians believe that it was primarily used in war and not an everyday weapon of the knight. 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. 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. Many different swords fall into this category and many of them are as maneuverable as they are surprisingly sturdy. With long tapering double-edged blade of flattened diamond section cut with two shallow fullers forming a low medial ridge over its entire length on each side, and incised with an indistinct crucifix mark on both sides towards the forte, long waisted ricasso with a pair of small pointed . 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. 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. The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with the medieval knightly sword and the Renaissance-era Zweihnder. The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. : 4 3/4" Grip Length: 6 7/8" Blade: [C60 High Carbon Steel] Manufacturer: Deepeeka 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. Of these, "bastard sword" is the oldest, its use being contemporaneous with the weapon's heyday. #4. They represent an optimised compromise between thrusting capability and retaining good cutting characteristics. 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. (J. L. Forgeng, Trans.). 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. The weapon was used in the half-sword, with one or both hands on the blade. 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. Honestly, your best bet for undestanding the dimensions of a historically accurate sword would be to have a look at museum pieces and moder. 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. 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]. 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. Blade Length: 34 1/2" Handle Length: 11 1/2" Weight: 3 lb 8 oz Point of Balance: 3 1/2" Blade Steel: 5160 By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. Their long grip increased their striking power and made some fighting techniques easier. 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. They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow-ground. Rather than restricting its use to either one or two hands, it allows for both types of wielding. Apart from being a writer, she also dabbles in fashion modeling and acting. 5060cm long and typically made of bronze or iron. 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. Lengths usually ranged from 110 cm to 150 cm, with 120 to 125 cm probably being the median. This manual, unfortunately for modern scholars, was written in obscure verse. The khopesh is an ancient Egyptian curved short sword with a length of approx. It also allowed pommeling technique, in which the pommel is partially held in the palm of the other hand to execute more forceful thrusts into heavy armor. Type XVa is the classical two-handed sword of the 14th and 15th centuries (with early examples appearing from the later 13th century). The specific term used to describe these swords in period varied by region as listed above. 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. Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. 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. The backsword blade was cheaper to manufacture than a two-edged blade. 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. These days, the term longsword most frequently refers to a late Medieval and Renaissance weapon designed for use with two hands. 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. The last known German manual to include longsword teaching was that of Jakob Sutor, published in 1612. Historical terms (15th to 16th century) for this type of sword included the Italian spada longa (lunga) and French pe longue. When we see references to the Grans espes d'Allemagne (large swords of Germany) at the beginning of the 14th century,it is obvious that the idea of a larger sword for use with two hands has entered the arsenal of the Medieval Knight. Use in the Inheritance cycle In later usage, 'cutlass' referred to the short naval boarding sabre. 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. They were made from wood, lined with cloth, and bound in leather. What's in a name? 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 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. [17]:7373,plate 67 The cross has been shown to be used as a hook for tripping or knocking an opponent off balance. 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 these terms originate contemporaneously with the weapons which they describe. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. The hilt has a leather covered hardwood grip and forged hand guard. They had handles of roughly 17 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches), excluding pommels, and weighed about 3 to 4 pounds. The 1410 manuscript by Fiore dei Liberi presents a variety of uses for the longsword. 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).