This sword tends to have a guard that is slightly loose. Properties. Type XVa is the classical two-handed sword of the 14th and 15th centuries (with early examples appearing from the later 13th century). 15th Century. The term hand-and-a-half or bastard sword became a label to denote the later manifestations of these war swords or longswords. Bastard swords are also known as hand-and-a-half swords, falling between the longsword and greatsword in length. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. 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. In modern history, many of these terms have been given specific, often arbitrary meanings that are unrelated to any of their historical meanings. Scabbards protected the sword from dampness, rain, and were typically reinforced by a metal chape at the tip. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. The Spartiats were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. Warspike Knight's Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword $95 In Stock! 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). In terms of weight, a typical hand-and-a-half sword weighed roughly 2.4 to 4 pounds (1.1 to 1.8 kg). The increased defensive capability of a man clad in full plate armour caused the use of the sword to be drastically changed. 55413 United States. 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. The long hilt 10-15 inches in length mainly distinguishes the bastard sword from other medieval swords. Most long swords were double edged. This is very popular . [23] The manual also presents half-sword techniques as an integral part of armoured combat. 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). 120-150 cm (47-59 in), blade length: avg. [3] [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. The evolution of the large swords of war into the Knightly longsword can first be seen as a distinct group in the swords of Oakeshotts Type XIIa and XIIIa. Others also had hexagonal cross-sections that cut poorly towards the tip. The longsword was a quick, effective, and versatile weapon capable of deadly thrusts, slices, and cuts. [4], The Panzerstecher ("armour stabber") is a German and East European weapon with a long, edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section for penetrating armour. [citation needed], The tuck may also get its name from the verb "to tuck" which means "to shorten". avg. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. [17]:plate 58 Some manuals even depict the cross as a hammer. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands that doesn't make sense. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. Handle Length. For example, there is a longsword in The Glasgow Art and History Museum, Labelled XIIIa. Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections. 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 hand and a half blade is used for thrusting and the length of the blade is not any longer than the long sword. Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use. Their long grip increased their striking power and made some fighting techniques easier. 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). 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. 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. Leather Wrapped Handle. 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. In modern times, this variety of sword is also sometimes referred to as the broadsword.[36][37]. However, a third type is a hand-and-a-half sword. You've landed on the new (soon to be released) website for Arms & Armor. Lengths usually ranged from 110 cm to 150 cm, with 120 to 125 cm probably being the median. Powered by Shopify. Hilt length: 34 cm (13 3/8") Pommel Length: 6.2 cm (2 7/16 in.) However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. The #034 Black Prince a Type XVa Longsword, Durer Bastard Sword #195 a Type XVIII Longsword. @d-a-half-sw. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the "Grete Swords of War" of the 13thC. 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 . The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. 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 backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. 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. Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. This type includes the 14th to 15th century "hand and a half sword" or "two-handed" swords, often with two or more fullers. In comparison, a shortsword's blade is about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). [6] Historical European Martial Arts associations have turned the term spada da lato[7] into "side-sword". This actually does help with defining how long the blade can be in relation t. Hand Forged High Carbon Steel Viking Sword, Sharp / Battle Ready Medieval Sword. The swords grouped as "longswords" for the purposes of this article are united by their being intended for two-handed use. The weapon was used in the half-sword, with one or both hands on the blade. Fine secolo XIV Lunghezza totale cm 108. Honshu Damascus Broadsword With Sheath - Damascus Steel Blade, TPR Handle, Stainless Steel Pommel - Length 43 1/2". Some of these terms originate contemporaneously with the weapons which they describe. It remains identifiable as a type during the period of about 1350 to 1550. SPADA SCHIAVONESCA. 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. Others also had knuckle guards, particularly the Swiss style. Sword Length: 42 5/8". The hand-and-a-half swords had long, slender blades and sharp points that could penetrate the gaps in the opponents armor. This is the classic one-handed sword used by knights and was often used in conjunction with a shield. More . Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. It could also be used one-handed against lightly armored archers from horseback and two-handed for thrusting attacks against heavily armored opponents. 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. 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; 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. As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. 1101 Stinson Blvd. 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, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing). $269.99 $211.98! Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. The earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. Some had straight or curved quillons (arms of the crossguard), side rings, finger rings, and loop-back guards. By the second half of the 16th century, it persisted mostly as a weapon for sportive competition (Schulfechten), and possibly in knightly duels. The names derive from words popular at different times and places. The term hand and . 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.. [53] The term 'falchion' may also refer to the early cutlass. 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 groin and throat were among the favourite targets. Frontline Books. The arming sword was paired with a small, round buckler shield on the left hand. Apart from being a writer, she also dabbles in fashion modeling and acting. Maximum Diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.) The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with . Leadingthe research, replication and understanding ofarms and armor for over 37 years, creating exceptional items for those who appreciate history and its material culture. Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. . 8 . In a depiction of a duel, individuals may be seen wielding sharply pointed longswords in one hand, leaving the other hand open to manipulate the large dueling shield. Overall Length: 45.5" Blade Length: 33.50" Handle Material: Wood Covered in Leather, Black Carry System: Wood Scabbard Covered in Leather, Black This item is not for sale in some specific zip codes Frequently bought together + + Total price: Product Description NE Over the next several centuries blade shapes varied but we see these swords in two hands being used across the Europe. On the other hand, the term hand-and-a-half tends to describe later types of longswords with sharply tapering blades and specially shaped grips widely used in the 15th and 16th centuries. Hand-and-a-half swords initially had a plain crossguard but later featured extensive hand guards. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. The grip of the hand and a half sword was long enough to accommodate one hand or two hands when used in combat. Cod. 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. However they mainly saw prominence outside the battlefield as a duelling weapon. 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? 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. . 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 . The name hand-and-a-half is not a historical term. 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 longsword (long sword) is any sword that is generally wielded with two hands. Perhaps. Today, the two terms are used interchangeably, with some people referring to as a hand-and-a-half sword and others calling it a bastard sword. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. 3 Reviews; 3 Reviews. George Silver[31] and Joseph Swetnam) is a single-handed "cut-and-thrust" sword with a 1.2-meter-long (4ft) blade[22] similar to the long rapier. If a warrior was facing archers, for instance, he may wield the hand-and-a-half sword with one hand while using his other hand to hold a shield. Functionally, swords become more maneuverable, powerful, and fast when the handle is gripped with two hands. [17]:plates 128150, Another variation of use comes from the use of armour. 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. probably German. The Spartan version was typically only 3045 centimetres. Pal. Some had broad parallel edges to those with acute tapers from the guard to a spike like point and many variations in between. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. As with our single-hand broadswords above these weapons are custom made. Sign up for our mailing-list and be alerted to new products, special sales, limited product availability, and more. HEMA practitioners also use steel swords with unsharpened blades designed to bend in the thrust. Bastard Sword Sren Niedziella from Denmark . The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). This type of sword had a thickened back to the blade (opposite the cutting edge), which gave the blade strength. 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. 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. There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. 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. These techniques could be nearly instantly fatal or incapacitating, as a thrust to the skull, heart, or major blood vessel would cause massive trauma. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm). [14] The hanger (obs. Quantity. The idea for the spatha came from the swords of ancient Celts in Germany and Britain. . ca. were used to label weapons of similar appearance but of different historical periods, regional cultures and fabrication technology. Their specially shaped grips, usually bottle-shaped or waisted, gave better control and hold of the weapon. Handle Length. The earliest forms of these are oversized examples of the single handed swords would be hard to distinguish as a separate group. Harnischfechten, or "armoured fighting" (German kampffechten, or Fechten in Harnisch zu Fuss, literally "fighting in armour on foot"), depicts fighting in full plate armour.[25]. They represent larger versions of type XII and type XIII swords which were the standard. 750-1050)-language text, Articles containing Russian-language text, Articles containing Hungarian-language text, Articles containing Ukrainian-language text, Articles containing Turkish-language text, Articles containing Persian-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 20 December 2022, at 11:53. The arming sword was the most used sword type in the medieval period. + $45.00 shipping. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 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. . Hand-and-a-half swords varied in their blade length, usually ranging from 88 to 100 centimeters (35 to 40 inches). Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. [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. Print ; $299-$141. 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. This . All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. This 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword is a surprisingly agile sword for its size with a total weight of only about 3 lbs - this ensures the sword is swift on the strike and a fine sword for drills and use. Swords with exceptionally long hilts are found throughout the High Middle Ages. Terminology was further complicated by terms introduced[1] or misinterpreted[2][3][4] in the 19th century by antiquarians and in 20th century pop culture,[5] and by the addition of new terms such as "great sword", "Zweihnder" (instead of Beidhnder), and "cut-and-thrust sword". "large/great sword")[16][17] can refer to either the longsword with a distinctive two-handed grip, or the basket-hilted sword. The hand-and-a-half sword was a balanced weapon that enabled one to use it with one or both hands. 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. GOTHIC HAND AND A HALF SWORD. Ships in 3-7 days. 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. They run 3 pounds plus, but you wonder how much of that weight is in the basket hilt, etc.? . The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. Distinct "bastard sword" hilt types developed during the first half of the 16th century. The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed two handed sword and bastard sword as two separate items. It was "[a sword] which was neither French, nor Spanish, nor properly Landsknecht [German], but longer than any of these sturdy swords. 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. To overcome this problem, swords began to be used primarily for thrusting. $225.00. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. [citation needed] It is thought to have appeared in France and spread quickly across the rest of Europe. On the other hand, those with stainless steel blades are only meant for decoration while LARP versions have foam blades. Slung across his back in a black leather shoulder sheath was Longclaw, the hand-and-a-half bastard blade the Old Bear had given him for saving his life. After a Brief exchange with the Questioner in another answer, I have gotten an approximation of what recurve profile has been asked upon. Therein the basics of combat were described and, in some cases, depicted. Buy the medieval Albrecht Hand-and-a-Half Swords for $ 299.99. 5060cm long and typically made of bronze or iron. Made from 5160 high-carbon steel, this functional sword has a double-edge blade. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. 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. Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. 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. 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. 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 Hand-and-a-Half (26) Length. Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. "[20] Espe bastarde could also historically refer to a single-handed sword with a fairly long blade compared to other short swords. These days, the term longsword most frequently refers to a late Medieval and Renaissance weapon designed for use with two hands. The longsword is characterized not so much by a longer blade, but by a longer grip, which indicates a weapon designed for two-handed use. 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. An Italian Two-Hand Sword First Half Of The 16th Century. An example of a "true" bastard sword / hand-and-a-half sword Skallagrim 1.56M subscribers 881K views 7 years ago The term longsword (or "long sword") is often incorrectly applied to. Jun 13, 2018. The Oakeshott Type XVa is among the most common types of hand-and-a-half swords displayed in museums, including the Black Prince Sword, believed to be wielded by Edward, Prince of Wales.