Description
Circa 1500
This hand-and-a-half sword, often called a bastard sword, was a familiar weapon across European battlefields during the strife of territorial conflicts and religious wars that marked the late medieval period. The long quillons are fitted with protective rings,these guards helped prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade and offered some defense against an opponent’s strikes aimed at the wielder’s grip. The grip is studded, a practical feature to ensure a secure hold, especially when swinging this weighty sword amid the chaos of combat. The large pommel is carefully shaped to counterbalance the blade’s length, giving the sword a steady feel in the hands of one trained to wield it. The blade bears etched designs typical of the era, a testament to both the smith’s skill and the martial traditions of the time. This style of sword is mentioned in the Italian fencing treatise Armi Bianche Italiane. Traditionally, such swords would be sheathed in a leather scabbard to protect the edge when not in use. A well-kept blade, properly sharpened, could serve both in cutting practice and on the battlefield.
- Overall length: 47-1/4″
- Blade length: 40″ long, 2″ wide, 1/4″ thick
- Weight: 4 lbs
Fun fact: The Italian hand-and-a-half sword earned favor among Renaissance duelists and foot soldiers for its adaptable grip, allowing a fighter to shift effortlessly between one hand and two, balancing reach and control in the heat of combat.
