*Schwing*
Hello, this is I Post Swords
And today we're going to talk about these:
Smallswords.
In order to start in a sensible place,
Let's examine a rather typical example.
This is a late 19th century court sword,
Identified by the fact it has a single lobed clamshell guard.
Earlier smallswords would have more commonly had a two lobed,
disk guard, or "bilobate" shell.
This examples is however fairly representative of the overall type:
So we'll start here, as the rest of my examples are somewhat more unique.
The smallsword is a thrusting weapon, developed in lieu of the rapier
Being smaller, and more useable as a sidearm for gentlemanly and courtly wear.
It's much more convenient, much more maneuverable and has very good point control.
However it sacrifices all cutting ability.
And that is due to the very distinctive hollow ground triangular blade.
Which has three sides, all of them having a "scooped out" appearance, including the "flat".
This provides massive stiffness and a very light sword.
This one is just under 400 grams.
one of the benefits of this single clamshell design
is that the back of it is rounded
and lacking the second side of the clamshell, does not wear against your uniform
as you have the sword at your side.
this is one of the significant problems which lead to folding guards
which, whilst weakening the sword do not wear out your uniform.
Let me bring this example closer to the camera and we'll have a look at a few of it's features.
this example is from around 1890
has an all "cut steel" hilt, with a helical design across the grip
and the pommel
It has been covered in rivets which have been faceted and polished to look like faux diamonds.
as well as the scalloping you can see here along the edge of the clam shell
you can see the heads of the rivets here, where they have been driven into the steel.
this design has a screw on peen,
and actually contains a fairly modern tang.
it can be replaced by modern Leon Paul fencing swords.
(Assuming you use the correct blade.)
that indicates that this was a very late manufacture
probably around 1890
the blade is frost etched,
and the motifs include vinework and other floral decorative motifs.
you can see here....
the very nicely hollow ground blade, with it's even..
concave shape.
The Finger Rings on this design are too small to be functional.
However by this point many fencers preferred not to use them
As is common today. Many of the (smallsword) fencers I speak to, at least, prefer Not to use finger rings.
Even if they're available AND large enough on a sword.
the knuckle bow here, whilst permanently affixed to the pommel,
is fairly thin and flimsy, as they are on most court swords and smallswords.
the difference between a courtsword and smallsword is purely modern semantics:
referring to either this curved clamshell, or a flat straight bilobate disk.
This has been the first day in 'A Week of Smallswords', and this has been IPostSwords discussing a 1890 cut steel court sword.
stay tuned for tomorrows video on this colichemarde training smallsword.
That's all for now. Stay Sharp.
*Pathetic begging*