I just took a photo of four of my schiavone found in my collection and thought I'd share it with you.

As you can see, each schiavona is unique and replicates one of the many styles of authentic basket forms history has brought us. Just like authentic examples, the reproductions pictured here show quite a bit of variety and diversity.

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Left to right: TEMPL HIstoric Arms, Phoenix Metal Creations, Del Tin 5173 (2003), Del Tin 2170 (1991)

I'm curious as to how they compare as far as handling characteristics go.

Nathan...You seem to have WAY too many Shiavona!! Since I like you (I wouldn't do this for just anyone!!) I will soldier up and take that Erik Stevenson blade from you!

Cheers!!

Dave

Second from the left is my favorite. Erik really did a find job on that one.

So much beauty... can't decide... which I like most... :D

Nathan, the more photos I see of the Barta Schiavona the more impressed I become. That's simply a beautiful sword.

Wonderful group of baskethilts, Nathan !

Truely beautiful pieces ! Mac

They are all beautiful!

I am REALLY impressed visually with the Del Tin, very nice piece for the money. I might be temped to get one if it handles as good as she looks! :D

Thanks Roger, thanks for the detail picture as well!

Here's another comparison photograph. This time, it's of three models of Schiavone:

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Left to right: Phoenix Metal Creations, Del Tin 2170 (1995), Del Tin 2170 (1991)

Well, the Phoenix, of course, is sublime. But what stands out in that picture is what an improvement the DT5173 is over the earlier DT2170, especially the 1991 version.

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DT5173

Dear Friends,

I am a new member and look forward to making contributions. I have a number of genuine Schiavonas in my collection, they were originally used by Croatian (Slavic) mercenary troops from Dalmatia in the service of the Doge of Venice during the 16th and 17th Centuries. The genuine Venetian manufactured swords usually had the Lion of St. Mark on the brass shield pommel. I know that these swords were also used by other states, the design was popular.

These swords can best be described as broad swords. They are well documented in all the literature. I see them for sale in international auctions regularly. Expect to pay $2,000. for one unless you are VERY lucky and there is no reserve and no bidding. Prices on European auctions have jumped dramatically as the US$ has collapsed against the Euro.

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Mr. Piscopo,

Welcome to myArmoury.com! Thank you for sharing the picture with us. Would you mind providing some specifications (weight, length, etc.) on your schiavone?

regards,
Stephen

Oh wow look at that. Is that your collection or a picture you took in a museum?

I'll say you collect! :D

I think its fair to say all of us would love more information and more pictures of specific pieces in your collection. A sampling of your favorites would be a good place to start.

Dear Friends,

Thanks for the positive comments. The picture is from one corner of my display of Italian swords on one of my bedroom walls. Note that I mount my swords on pegboard purchased at my local Menard's store but available anywhere that you can purchase building materials. I prefer the woodgrain design but you can find others to suit your tastes.

I will be happy to provide additional pictures of my collection but the picture above was specifically directed towards Nathan's posting of his modern productions. If anyone wants to see specific items I will start another discussion thread.
Make a reply as to what European or ancient swords you would like to see.

If anyone has an antique, pre 1920 or WWI, European sword that they would like to have identified, I would be happy to oblige if I can. I have posted photos of many of my ancient weapons on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ancientweapons
Go to Photos, then All Albums. You will find the largest number of photos in the Luristan, Amlash, Marlik Albums but those of you who are seriously interested in ancient history could also check Assyria.

All of you should also consider joining the Sword Forum International which has a greater emphasis on historical and ancient weapons. Go to http://forums.swordforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=12 To sample one of the threads I have going on that forum, go to http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s...post309916

To those of you interested in buying swords on eBay, use the keyword Sword, then click on the Highest Price option. You can then look at ten pages of the best swords. If you want to be more specific, use French, Italian, British, German or other national origin Sword. US swords are more difficult to search for specifically because few sellers list them as American Sword or US Sword. Better to search Civil War Sword, Cavalry Sword, Saber.

If you are interested in specifications of a specific sword I would be happy to comply with a request but I will not be doing large numbers of measurements.

Best regards, John Piscopo