As plate armor became more common, swords became longer and acquired a leaner blade with an acute point for thrusting. 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 . probably German. 5060cm long and typically made of bronze or iron. The two terms are largely equivalent to "unarmoured fighting" (blossfechten) and "armoured fencing" (fechten im harnisch). The hand-and-a-half sword is particularly versatile in this regard. [44], The "tuck" (French estoc, Italian stocco)[citation needed] is an edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section used for thrusting. The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry, Fighting: Teaching the Foundations of Sigmund Ringecks Style, A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times: Together with Some Closely Related Subjects, Medieval Combat: A Fifteenth-Century Manual of Swordfighting and Close-Quarter Combat. The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. They possess an elongated grip which can easily accommodate both hands but they are generally well balanced enough to be wielded in one hand. Theme by Safe As Milk. Tough, rigid and durable. The blade length is about 70 to 80 cm (28-32 inches). Total Length: 1060mm; Blade Length: 790mm ; Hilt Length: 270mm ; Guard Width: 255mm ; Total Weight: 765g; View All Close. The blade measured around 1 metre (40 inches), the grip averaged 15-23 cm (6-9 inches). If wielded in one hand, the hand-and-a-half sword functioned similarly to an arming sword, though its balance would be slightly different. Scabbards protected the sword from dampness, rain, and were typically reinforced by a metal chape at the tip. The term referred to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. 1d6 slashing. @d-a-half-sw. [citation needed]. By the late 16th century, early forms of the developed-hilt appear on this type of sword. The swords grouped as "longswords" for the purposes of this article are united by their being intended for two-handed use. It is ideal for HEMA study - recreating the longswords from Fiore, Talhoffer, etc. The bastard sword also had a long thin long blade that tapered into a point. [citation needed] The height of the small sword's popularity was between the mid-17th and late 18th century. 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. 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? 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 earliest forms of these are oversized examples of the single handed swords would be hard to distinguish as a separate group. Sword Mounting Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. The hand-and-a-half sword also belongs to Oakeshott types XVIa, XVII, and XVIIIa. This manual, unfortunately for modern scholars, was written in obscure verse. Apparently, many swords were designed for left-hand use, although left-handed swords have been described as "a rarity".[12]. Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. 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. Regardless of what they are called these swords areall of a type that is iconic to the middle ages. . 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. Origins of the Hand-and-a-Half-Sword They have a 2 inch guard width and 0.24 inch guard thickness. So, what exactly is a hand-and-a-half sword? 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. Dao are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. #4. The point would be to hold the grip with one hand at the top of the grip, and one hand at the bottom. 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". 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. 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" As its name suggests, it had an advantage in terms of greater reach over the so-called short sword or arming sword. It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry. The backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. 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). First quarter of the 9th c. A.D. (Stuttgart: Wurt. Ships in 3-7 days. This . 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. Overall lenght 118,5 cm - Wheight 1300 g. 5152 . Of these, "bastard sword" is the oldest, its use being contemporaneous with the weapon's heyday. Others also had hexagonal cross-sections that cut poorly towards the tip. The hanger (obs. 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. 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. It was the typical knights sword of the 15th century designed for thrusting against vulnerable points in plate armor. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. germ. A defining characteristic of the sword isn't the overall length, it's the length of the handle. [8] 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 . 4.14-3.1 cm, then sharp point. [2] Navigation menu . Fully functional medieval battle ready sword. The Spartiats were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. They were made from wood, lined with cloth, and bound in leather. 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. 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. 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. Great swords or greatswords are related to the long swords of the Middle Ages. Another technique would be the Mordstreich (lit. A channel ran down about half of the blade. The variety of longswords that have survived are diverse and it is obvious that personal preference and intended use where important factors in what a warrior of the period would choose to use. These are double-edged, usually straight bladed swords, designed for optimized balance, reach and versatility. A tradition of teaching based on this has survived in contemporary French and Italian stick fighting.[24]. Venezia, fine secolo XV. 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 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. The hand-and-a-half sword falls somewhere in between the one-handed and two-handed weapons. "large/great sword")[16][17] can refer to either the longsword with a distinctive two-handed grip, or the basket-hilted sword. (M. Rector, Ed. An Italian Two-Hand Sword First Half Of The 16th Century. 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. 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. In the Oakeshott typology of blade morphology, "longswords" figure as a range of sub-types of the corresponding single-handed sword types.[16]. [citation needed], The small sword or smallsword (also court sword or dress sword, French: pe de cour)[citation needed] is a light one-handed sword designed for thrusting[citation needed] which evolved out of the longer and heavier rapier of the late Renaissance. [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. Contents 1 History 2 Appearance 3 Etymology 4 Portrayal in adaptations 4.1 Peter Jackson's film trilogies 5 Reproductions 6 Translations 7 References The term "rapier" appeared in the English lexicon via the French pe rapire which either compared the weapon to a rasp or file; it may be a corruption of "rasping sword"[38] which referred to the sound the blade makes[39] when it comes into contact with another blade. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. The later hardened plate armours, complete with ridges and roping, posed a threat against the careless attacker. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. Honestly, your best bet for undestanding the dimensions of a historically accurate sword would be to have a look at museum pieces and moder. HAND AND A HALF SWORD. Hand-and-a-half swords varied in their blade length, usually ranging from 88 to 100 centimeters (35 to 40 inches). 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. [citation needed], The French pe btarde and the English bastard sword originate in the 15th or 16th century,[citation needed] originally having the general sense of "irregular sword or sword of uncertain origin". When pike formations became common on battlefield tactics, ranged weapons proved more effective against pikemen, diminishing the advantages of hand-and-a-half swords. The blade is 79cm in length and constructed from a rugged 1060 spring steel and through . A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. Ewart Oakeshott classified medieval swords into types, focusing on their blade type, pommel, and crossguard designs. $269.99 $211.98! Top is some kind of dress sword, bottom is cavalry saber? Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. 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 . Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. 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 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. Among most Greek warriors, this weapon had an iron blade of about 60 centimetres. [26] Instead, the energy of the cut becomes essentially pure concussive energy. The 19cm grip is constructed from timber, covered in faux leather with a sewn seam which is then cord wrapped for extra strength. The long grip gives the wielder plenty of leverage to maneuver the sword quickly and to strike decisively. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. The name hand-and-a-half is not a historical term. ], Antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. In terms of blade typology, they do not form a single category. The term hand and . Still, some sources show them used with bucklers or spiked shields in judicial duels, though the latter was unusual. This is especially the case for weapons from antiquity, made before the development of high quality steel that is necessary for longer swords, in particular: Oversized two-handers used as parade swords or ceremonial weapons often exceeded the length and weight of practical weapons of war. 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. 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).. From the late 15th century, however, it is also attested as being worn and used by unarmoured soldiers or mercenaries. 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 Italian equivalent to the English word "rapier". Most long swords were double edged. In modern times, this variety of sword is also sometimes referred to as the broadsword.[36][37]. Others are modern or early modern terms used by antiquarians, curators, and modern-day sword enthusiasts for historical swords. We offer an array of these swords. The excellent balance and light weight make the Warspike an exceptional addition to any collection. NE As with our single-hand broadswords above these weapons are custom made. 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. Answer (1 of 2): I'll apologize be as I'm long-winded and cover a lot of ground. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. Hand-and-a-half swords had long grips that permitted the use of the second hand. Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point. [9] Swordsmen were trained to use the dulled side for defensive and blocking techniques. 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]. The long hilt 10-15 inches in length mainly distinguishes the bastard sword from other medieval swords. Distinct "bastard sword" hilt types developed during the first half of the 16th century. Perhaps. 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 . Length. 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 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. Hand and a half swords are basically the historically correct terminology for a long sword, it's a sword that can be two handed or one handed depending on your needs, it only weighs like a pound and a half so it's super easy to handle. [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. 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. Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. Hilt length: 34 cm (13 3/8") Pommel Length: 6.2 cm (2 7/16 in.) Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more , The 4 Key Elements of a High-Quality Traditional Japanese Sword. This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 01:56. Some of these terms originate contemporaneously with the weapons which they describe. The Blunted Blade is made from hardened spring steel with a full tang construction. "arming sword", "broadsword", "long sword", etc.) 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 Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. Sword Length: 42 5/8". We will respect your privacy. They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow-ground. The longsword was a quick, effective, and versatile weapon capable of deadly thrusts, slices, and cuts. Leather Wrapped Handle. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. the same height as the user) such as the Oakeshott type XIIa or Oakeshott type XIIIa. [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. [13][14][15][dubious discuss] The great sword proper was developed during the Renaissance, but its earlier cousin, the Scottish Claymore, was very similar in size and use, like the "outsized specimens" between 160cm and 180cm (approx. The Scabbard All Hanwei western medieval swords come with a nicely made scabbard. One-handed swords are shorter and lighter, but they allow the user to wield a second weapon or shield. [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. It was a specialist weapon wielded by certain Landsknechte (mercenary soldiers), so-called Doppelsldners. Irish Hand and Half Sword - Irish hand and a half sword, a Legacy Arms/Generation 2 design, dating from around 1475 - 1525 A.D. Swords, Knives & Reenactment menu. 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. Daggers were loot/spoils. The term hand-and-a-half or bastard sword became a label to denote the later manifestations of these war swords or longswords. 3 lb. 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.) The term "hand-and-a-half sword" is modern (late 19th century). The Cold Steel Kris series, which includes a sword and dagger, is something we hope all . What's in a name? Weight 1700 g. 5144. this name was given because the balance of the sword made it usable in one hand, as well as two. 1400-1430 On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373. However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. The grip was somewhat larger than the grip of a one-handed sword so that . Early depictions of a sword in two hands show swords such as the A&A Hungarian Sword used to deliver these blows. Properties. Hand-and-a-half swords have special half-grips that can be used with either one or both hands. In southern Germany, it persisted into the 1560s, but its use also declined during the second half of the 16th century. The cross sections of the blades also varied a great deal. Peso g 1400 . 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 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. This was the most common longsword up to the late 13th century CE. The hilt has a leather covered hardwood grip and forged hand guard. 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. The hand-and-a-half sword had a size between a one-handed sword and a two-handed sword. They represent an optimised compromise between thrusting capability and retaining good cutting characteristics. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands -- that doesn't make sense. Medieval Longsword, Xiphos Sword: Facts About the Leaf-Bladed Greek Sword, Your Ultimate Guide to the European Smallsword, Gladius Sword: A Guide on the Roman Short Sword, Claymore: A Guide to Popular Scottish Sword, The Historically Authentic Executioner Sword, Flamberge: A Guide to the Flame-Bladed Swords. Most were better suited for thrusting, but others were also designed for more cutting. This hand-and-half sword has a sharpened, darkened 1065 high carbon steel blade with an extra-wide tang. This is the classic one-handed sword used by knights and was often used in conjunction with a shield. 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. The fighter could attempt to hit the opponent in the face using the pommel when wrestling with the sword, disarm, or throw him. Hand-and-a-half swords initially had a plain crossguard but later featured extensive hand guards. Landesbib. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. 1101 Stinson Blvd. . . There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. Here are the unique characteristics of hand-and-a-half swords: Historical hand-and-a-half sword blades were often made of a single piece of steel and were hardened by quenching. This sword tends to have a guard that is slightly loose. Historical terms (15th to 16th century) for this type of sword included the Italian spada longa (lunga) and French pe longue. 8 . Benefits of Using a Hand-and-a-Half-Sword. The arming sword was the most used sword type in the medieval period. It's typically used as an intermediate weapon for those learning how to use a real longsword. 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. Leadingthe research, replication and understanding ofarms and armor for over 37 years, creating exceptional items for those who appreciate history and its material culture. Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. Frontline Books. 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. You've landed on the new (soon to be released) website for Arms & Armor. The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use.