Since swords are not used as weapons today, to speak of a swords “historical accuracy” seems somewhat redundant to me. In other words, a sword’s “accuracy” would in itself be a reference to a time when the sword was developing as a weapon. We would only need to make a distinction of “historical” accuracy, if we accept that swords have other purposes today… which I guess they do—Art Objects, Movie Props, Freudian Symbols, Jungian archetypes, etc. However I think most people would still see the sword as primarily a killing tool, however anachronistic.
As to “rules” for “historical accuracy” there are two possibilities:
1. “Rule” as a regulations of what must be followed and enforced. Though we might develop such rules there is no way they could, or should, be enforced.
2. “Rule” in a canonical sense as a standard of judgment.
In this second sense, I think that is may be worthwhile to begin to define categories, if nothing but to facilitate discussion.
Once the categories are defined as a standard of comparison or judgment, it will be possible for sword makers and sword collectors to determine which category they find appealing.
Here is an example of such categories:
1.
Experimental Accuracy
Objective:
Recreating Specific Archeological Finds to Learn About The Past
By using same or similar methods and materials as period craftsmen and producing as exact a
recreation as possible in terms of known statistics such as lengths, widths, thicknesses, weight,
point of balance, centers of percussion, vibration nodes, etc. etc.
Divisions:
Material Accuracy: using only materials found in the time period and geography of the artifact being recreated. (i.e. only steely bloomery iron rather than modern steels. Grip core only of wood available at the time. )
Manufacture Accuracy: using only procedure and tools existing or understood in the time period and geographic regions of the artifact being recreated. (i.e. bow drills, hand-made files, self propelled stone grinding wheels.)
2.
Deep Accuracy
Objective:
Reconstructing Specific Archeological Finds or Find Type
By using period materials or upgraded versions of period materials (i.e. spring steel) shaped with modern tools ending with a
reconstruction that has the same appearance and basic statistical specification and thus handling characteristics of the artifact being replicated. However on completion not only will the
reconstruction appear as an original finds on close examination, but also materials below the surface will also be of period materials or upgraded versions. (i.e. grip core below the leather would be real wood. Pattern-welded blade core is real pattern welding and not just an etched surface to appear identical to period finds.)
3.
Surface Accuracy
Objective:
Replicating Archeological Find Types
By using upgraded versions of period materials to optimize the efficiency of the
replica to match or exceed the toughness and durability of the absolute best of period finds. All surface features, even on close examination would appear as the originals in pristine form. However, below the surface more durable and cheaper modern materials could be found. (i.e. Stabilized wood or plastic grip core, epoxy resin filler, etc)
4.
Distance Accuracy
Objective: Producing a Facsimile of a Period Find Type for Modern Purposes.
By using the most efficient and most economical materials to achieve the specific purpose desired with little or no reference to period materials, methods or statistical specifications. This facsimile would appear as a period find from varying distances but not on close examinations by a knowledgeable observer.
Swords developed primarily as killing tools and at times fashionable prestige objects. With the advent of modern war with weapons that allow mass killing at distance, the sword no longer has this function. Yet in “postmodern” fashion, the sword has been appropriated for more modern “functions.”
Modern Purpose Divisions:
Cutting Accuracy
When you hold a sword, especially a well made sword, there is an innate desire to swing it. And after swinging it, it is natural to want to hit something with it. But because you have money invested and your life is not on the line, you are careful not to damage or break it. So over time cutting water filled plastic bottles has become popular. In this contexts a swords “accuracy” involves blades that are thin and long, with hollow ground edges that will slice easily through plastic bottles filled with water.
Movie Prop/Reenacting Accuracy
With the advent of cinema and especially the “Sword and Sandal Epics” which showcase swords and sword “play,” the needs of sword geometries changed. Thick edges were needed to take the abuse of edge to edge contact as blade smashes against blade. The sight and sound spectacle would require blade to smash against blade to convey the danger and add the clanging and sheering background “music” of the sound track. Constant parrying with your blade, even though you have a perfectly good
shield in your other hand. With the thickened edges the blades would be heavy, to balance out the heavy blade, gigantic spiky guards and pommels are added as counter weight or the grip is extended (explaining why in recent big budget movies Vikings and Crusaders swords are all at least bastard sword length.)
Fantasy Accuracy
The rise of fantasy movies and video games and the tidal wave of cheap replica from these has become so ubiquitous that, to many people, this is what a sword should look like. These are the designs of dreams and visions… not functions. For this reason, and others, they are not only non-functional but dysfunctional—Often these swords are gigantic and massive with dangerous spikes all over the pommel and guards. If such a sword was actually used in battle, with all the spikes, you would probably do as much damage to yourself as your opponent. It has, in essence, a blatantly dysfunctional function. And while, apart from Freudian symbols and Jungian archetypes, this might seem absurd, it fits perfectly into postmodern modes in art over the last thirty years—“blatant dysfunction.”
While these categories were defined in a modern context, it is possible that similar concerns existed in the past. For instance:
Ancient Fantasy Swords—Presentation or ceremonial swords, covered in fine gold and inlayed with jewels with little regard for function made to show off wealth and prestige.
Ancient Movie Prop Swords—Swords made for dramatization or significance in burial… Wooden or diminished in size to better serve these purposes.
Ancient Cutting Swords—At times swords have developed very narrowly defined function, such as Bronze Age “rapiers” over a meter long with a hollow triangular blade for thrusting or blunt-end sword which could not thrust, even those designed for execution.
Ancient Surface Swords—At times surface decoration was applied to mimic something below the surface that was not there, such as etching, engraving and inlay on spears and swords to mimic pattern-welding.
Even Ancient Deep and Experimental Swords, if the ancients ever practiced reverse engineering.
As for myself… I tend to find myself working toward “Surface Accuracy” camp; however I have great respect for “Experimental and Deep Accuracy.”
Take care
ks