9/28/2023 0 Comments Wooden medieval swordThe distinguishing feature of a longsword is its long grip that allowed the use of two hands, though it was lightweight enough to wield with one hand. Generally, the grip allows a wielder to use it with one hand with the addition of two or three fingers from the other hand, hence the name hand-and-a-half sword. Fencing masters often refer to them as bastard swords. Some swords are more than one-handed but somewhat less than two-handed. However, its blade was not exactly short and sometimes even had the same length as the other swords. The arming swords of medieval knights had a one-handed grip, leading many to erroneously call it a short sword to set it apart from a longsword that allowed two-handed use. Sword handles also varied in length, depending on the type of sword and its use. By the 17th century, Italian dress swords often featured steel handles, usually pierced or chased. Indian swords usually had ivory grips, sometimes carved and of outstanding craftsmanship. Sword Handle or Grip ( Source)Įarly swords had wooden grips, but some featured leather grips wrapped in twisted brass wire. Often richly decorated, the smallswords were an integral part of a gentleman’s wardrobe, so pommel designs reflected their style and wealth. They were common in hanger swords and ceremonial swords. Some pommels were in the shape of animal heads like a lion, eagle, and other creatures. It was popular during the early 19th century when the British East India Company extended its control over most of India, and British officers noted the superior quality of the sword. Most flat pommels also featured an ornament at the top. The Indian sword talwar often had a dish-shaped pommel and an overall hilt with fine traditional Indo-Muslim decoration. Classic examples of the Persian shamshir can also be found in Turkey, India, and other parts of the Islamic world. Some swords like shamshir and kilij feature an L-shaped pommel, sometimes with a cord loop. During the Late Middle Ages, pommels had a variety of forms and shapes. A triangular-shaped pommel is typical of the Viking swords, but medieval swords usually had a spherical, wheel, or brazil-nut pommel. Often a rounded knob at the end of the sword hilt, the pommel serves as a counterbalance to the blade and could also be used as an improvised striking weapon. Let’s explore the history of the sword hilt, its evolution, and how it differs on different types of swords. Most medieval swords had a crossguard, but later swords became more elaborate, with the additional features of side rings, finger rings, knuckle guards, or swept-hilt guards. The portion of a sword below the blade known as the hilt consists of a hand guard, handle or grip, and pommel. A sword hilt comes in a wide variety of forms depending on the period and origin.
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