. The groin and throat were among the favourite targets. Includes a leather belt frog and scabbard with belt stop. When pike formations became common on battlefield tactics, ranged weapons proved more effective against pikemen, diminishing the advantages of hand-and-a-half swords. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. ; M. Rector, Trans.). Sign up for our mailing-list and be alerted to new products, special sales, limited product availability, and more. As its name suggests, it had an advantage in terms of greater reach over the so-called short sword or arming sword. 848 Groe Heidelberger Liederhandschrift(Codex Manesse) Zrich, 1305 bis 1340 321v: Herr Dietmar der Setzer. The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with . 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. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. [5]:130 These all seem to have originated in Bavaria and in Switzerland. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 01:56. 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. Jian (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: jin; Cantonese: gim) is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. This could be a 5-inch handle with a pommel that accommodates being used as part of the grip to one that would have considerable room between the hands. What's in a name? Print ; $299-$141. [citation needed] The two handed claymore is an early Scottish version of a greatsword. The distinction between two-handed swords and longswords can be confusing, and the deeper you delve into marginal cases the less clear the distinction can become. The hand-and-a-half sword is also called a bastard sword because it has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a one-handed or two-handed weapon. SBA-WARSPIKE-T $158 Out of Stock GOTHIC HAND AND A HALF SWORD. Type XVa is the classical two-handed sword of the 14th and 15th centuries (with early examples appearing from the later 13th century). 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. The weapon was used in the half-sword, with one or both hands on the blade. Hand-and-a half varieties typically have a blade length between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. 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. 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. 452. A channel ran down about half of the blade. 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. This is the classic one-handed sword used by knights and was often used in conjunction with a shield. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. 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. Hans Talhoffer, a mid-15th-century German fightmaster, is probably the most prominent, using a wide variety of moves, most resulting in wrestling. 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. If wielded in one hand, the hand-and-a-half sword functioned similarly to an arming sword, though its balance would be slightly different. ca. It was longer than the gladius, and had more reach, so the spatha was most popular with soldiers in the cavalry. This increased the accuracy and strength of thrusts and provided more leverage for Ringen am Schwert or "wrestling at/with the sword". Historical terms without a universal consensus of definition (i.e. The Italian school of swordsmanship was the other primary school of longsword use. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm). Hand-and-a-half swords have special half-grips that can be used with either one or both hands. 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. Peso g 1400 . The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. Its handle featured a waisted shape, tapering towards shorter, thinner half-grips. Important sources for rapier fencing include the Italian Bolognese group, with early representatives such as Antonio . The idea for the spatha came from the swords of ancient Celts in Germany and Britain. 5060cm long and typically made of bronze or iron. A sword called by these names would most likely have a blade length of 33 to 40+ inches and a grip and pommel that one can get both hands placed comfortably upon. The waisted grip, featuring a wider center tapering toward the pommel, allowed better control of the weapon. Today, replicas have high-carbon steel blades, though the ones used in stage combat and reenactment have blunt edges. [citation needed], The sabre (US saber) or shable (French sabre, Spanish sable, Italian sciabola, German Sbel, Russian sablya, Hungarian szablya, Polish szabla, Ukrainian shablya) is a single-edged curved bladed cavalry sword.[57]. 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". Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. Their long grip increased their striking power and made some fighting techniques easier. Equipped with a long grip, the hand-and-a-half sword was suitable for use with one or even both hands if one wished to give extra force to a blow. Cod. Black War Sword And Scabbard - High Carbon Steel Blade, Wooden Handle, Leather-Wrapped - Length 42". This . [8] Similarly, strong strikes could cut through skin and bone, effectively amputating limbs. [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. Hand-and-a-Half (44) Length. The hand and a half blade is used for thrusting and the length of the blade is not any longer than the long sword. Though deemed a Hand and a Half sword, this sword has a grip length and handling characteristics that would be fitting for a longsword. The falchion (French braquemart,[52] Spanish bracamarte) proper is a wide straight-bladed but curved edged hanger or long knife. 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. As plate armor became more common, swords became longer and acquired a leaner blade with an acute point for thrusting. 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. Sponsored. These swords have a point of balance at 5 inches and a point of harmonics at 21 inches. 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). 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). 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. . The 1410 manuscript by Fiore dei Liberi presents a variety of uses for the longsword. The Blunted Blade is made from hardened spring steel with a full tang construction. This hand-and-a-half sword is based on several historical originals. 2023, Arms & Armor On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The expression fechten mit dem langen schwert ("fencing with the long sword") in the German school of fencing denotes the style of fencing which uses both hands at the hilt; fechten mit dem kurzen schwert ("fencing with the short sword") is used in half-sword fighting, with one hand gripping the blade. The later hardened plate armours, complete with ridges and roping, posed a threat against the careless attacker. 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). [26] Instead, the energy of the cut becomes essentially pure concussive energy. Most were better suited for thrusting, but others were also designed for more cutting. 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. Suitable for martial arts training, film props etc. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. [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 earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. 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. By the 15th century, larger and heavier swords had been developed, including the 'Bastard' or 'Hand-and-a-half' sword. Frontline Books. A longsword is, obviously, longer than a shortsword. A hand-and-a-half sword is a weapon either with a flat blade or with diamond or lenticular cross-section that's between 22 to 30 inches. $349.99. . Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. The arming sword, also called the knightly sword, had a short grip and was designed to be wielded with one hand. 8 . They also had a pommel that counterbalanced the weight of the blade, improving its maneuverability. 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. This is very popular . 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 . 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. Product details: Length: 115.6 cm / Blade length: 85.10 cm / Grip length: 30.5 cm / Blade width at guard: 5.1 cm / Weight: 1389 g / Steel type: 1056 carbon steel, hardness 52-54 HRC . Swordsmen were trained to use the dulled side for defensive and blocking techniques. 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. Some had straight or curved quillons (arms of the crossguard), side rings, finger rings, and loop-back guards. Historical terminology overlaps with that applied to the Zweihnder sword in the 16th century: French espadon, Spanish espadn, or Portuguese montante may also be used more narrowly to refer to these large swords. The arming sword was the most used sword type in the medieval period. 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]. Leather Wrapped Handle. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. [citation needed] The height of the small sword's popularity was between the mid-17th and late 18th century. In later usage, 'cutlass' referred to the short naval boarding sabre. The medieval longsword could include the earlier grete war swords, hand-and-a-half or bastard swords, and estocs. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands that doesn't make sense. The distance between the hands obviously increases the leverage that combatant could exert on the weapon. Sword Length: 42 5/8". The term hand-and-a-half or bastard sword became a label to denote the later manifestations of these war swords or longswords. Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. Hand-and-a-Half Sword. Warspike Knight's Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword $95 In Stock! Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more , The 4 Key Elements of a High-Quality Traditional Japanese Sword. Theme by Safe As Milk. They represent larger versions of type XII and type XIII swords which were the standard. A longsword (long sword) is any sword that is generally wielded with two hands. Still, some sources show them used with bucklers or spiked shields in judicial duels, though the latter was unusual. 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor, Williams, G. (2014). A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. Types XVIIIb and XVIIIc represent the later longswords of the mid-15th to early 16th centuries. This probably represents the differing tastes of current sword buyers from those of the Middle Ages. 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. [citation needed], The tuck may also get its name from the verb "to tuck" which means "to shorten". The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with the medieval knightly sword and the Renaissance-era Zweihnder. Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. 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. HEMA practitioners also use steel swords with unsharpened blades designed to bend in the thrust. Regardless of what they are called these swords areall of a type that is iconic to the middle ages. In the UK, the swords were supposedly weapons of a long dead great grandfather in British Navy. Advantages of Hand-and-a-Half Swords 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. [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. These are all in reference to swords commonly called hand and a half swords or longswords today.