Hello everyone, I was wondering if you could help me with some questions about the swords used during the Thirty Years War. This is my main period of interest, partly because it was such a momentous war, and partly because it was one of the first early modern wars (or last late medieval war? I'm not too good at classifying them).

I know that by that point rapiers were popular with civilians, but the military would not have used rapiers - particularly the cavalry. I am somewhat vexed that the Pappenheimer swords are not the type that Pappenheim, or his cavalry, would have used. My question is thus: what were the main swords used by cuirassiers/heavy cavaly? What were the main swords for foot infantry?

The English Civil War had mortuary hilts, but I don't think they were used in the Thirty Years War. Arms and Armor has a beautiful Haudegen listed, which, from what I've read, is one of the weapons used. I've found some other weapons called 'Continental Basket hilts' for around 1620 like this one: http://www.nielo-sword.com/foto/1-jpg-343/ Would they have been used in the Thirty Years War?

A Czech weaponsmith called Nielo Swords sells a sword called a Swedish Cavalry Sword, based on one from 1640. Obviously the Swedes were heavily involved in the Thirty Years War, so I'm guessing this is the sort of weapon that a lot of heavy cavalry would use? http://www.nielo-sword.com/fotogalerie/swedish-cavalry-sword/ Its interesting that they also have that listed as a Haudegen Schwedisch. It looks like a nice weapon. Do any of you learned scholars know if its an accurate piece for the time? If it is, the price is good so I might be interested in acquiring one.

Speaking of which: does anyone have any experience with Nielo Swords? I think the craftsman himself is on this forum. Perhaps someone could tell me how the quality is, and what its best at (ie re-enacting, WMA, chopping stuff in the backyard, looking pretty on a wall?) Any info would be good.

Thanks

I don't know much about Nielo swords, I never saw one in person. Here are some Del Tin and A&A swords that would suit you:

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...den+Rapier

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...an+Dussack

http://www.kultofathena.com/images/DT2176_1_l.jpg

Rapiers were widely used by officers of both cavalry and infantry. The type of sword that you link to and Luka links to were more common amongst soldiers because of their weight.

And the sword you link to actually resembles a sword depicted on page 12 of Osprey's The army of gustavus adolphus, described as having hung over the grave of a swedish lieutenant-colonel.

Go Here to see (among other things) some original 17th century campaign swords

Unfortunately, there aren't many modern productions swords covering this type and time. You may have to go custom. If you do that, I recommend Arms and Armor.

I don't have any experience with Nielo swords, though I don't much like the way they did the Walloon hilt. Go Here on the SBG forum to get some opinions on their stuff.

Posting on my way out the door but here is a reference for Swedish swords of the time discussed.

http://www.sfhm.se/templates/pages/ArmeObject...anguage=EN

As to Nielo and going by discussion as well as pictures, the product seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. I have read but one mention of a medieval type that wasn't up to expectation and as well, a low priced later 18th century sword. I think that if one is ordering a sword direct and with the expectations truly expressed before starting, they may be more than just a diamond in the rough. What I see in quality and accuracy seems to somewhat go in line with the price point. Some blades could have more distal taper, some should be fullered, better historical presence in some but not all I have viewed at both the site and Kult of Athena. Am I lining up for one? Not right now but the possibility may be there in the future. A couple of the off the shelf look quite nice and truer to form than some of the great pretenders (I will not go into that right now).

Cheers

GC

Check out Vladimir Cervenka in the favourites, he has both a cavalry and a papenheimer rapier that could fill the bill. He does great work, I have four of his weapons, and love each one.