A Question About Longswords.

[John Partika]

Usually when there is a weapon that is used across a large geographical area there are variations that are generally unique depending upon which part of that extended geographical area you are in. My question is this: when it comes to the longsword, are there noticeable variations between longswords from Germany, Italy, or any other country? Things like blade length, types of guard, weight, taper, anything like that? Any information would be very helpful. As finding any reliable information elsewhere has been difficult, I figured this place would be the best to ask this sort of question.

[John Farthing]

Variables such as weight, length, etcetera can be determined by many factors and are not so easily catagorized by geographic points of origin. Swords and weapons were often produced in one country or region and then 'imported' to another. Elements such as the needs of the individual for whom the weapon is designed, the specific type or types of combat for which it is intended, and so forth can all effect the overall proportions of individual weaponry. There are however, certain characteristics which serve to help distinquish sword 'types' e.g. what makes a longsword; a longsword? To that end, perhaps you will find the following helpful: http://www.thehaca.com/medsword2.htm

[John Farthing]

To further explore your inquiry towards variations in pommel typochronology, crossguards, etc. You may wish to investigate the classification system known by modern spathologists as 'The Oakeshott Typology', after the work of the late R. Ewart Oakeshott.

[John Farthing]

For a quick reference resource where you can find charts, diagrams and other images of various typologies, weapon and armour nomenclature and more, please feel free to peruse the relevant albums on the ARMA Pinterest page at: http://pinterest.com/thearma/

[John Partika]

Thank you very much for the information. The reason for my inquiry was based on a lot of statements I'd seen thrown around forums and other not-so-trustworthy parts of the internet saying things like: "Germans liked their longswords heavier for deeper cuts!" or "The Italians thought cutting was crude and preferred a thrusting blade." Thanks again for helping to clear that up for me.

[John Farthing]

You are most welcome Sir! I am happy to help!

[LafayetteCCurtis]

Go get Oakeshott's The Sword in the Age of Chivalry or Records of the Medieval Sword. In these two books he explains that it is usually impossible to correlate general blade and hilt forms with particular places of origin except for a number of sword "families" he describes in detail within the text. The stereotypes of Germans preferring the cut and Italians preferring the thrust are also very difficult to justify for any period before the mid-16th century or so, not to mention that the difference lay more in the fencing styles than in the blades themselves (and even then there's always a great deal of evidence to show that there was a constant and extensive exchange of ideas between the two regions.)

[John Partika]

I'll go pick up that book immediately. Thanks a lot.