| myArmoury.com is now completely member-supported. Please contribute to our efforts with a donation. Your donations will go towards updating our site, modernizing it, and keeping it viable long-term. Last 10 Donors: Daniel Sullivan, Anonymous, Chad Arnow, Jonathan Dean, M. Oroszlany, Sam Arwas, Barry C. Hutchins, Dan Kary, Oskar Gessler, Dave Tonge (View All Donors) |
Author |
Message |
Glennan Carnie
|
Posted: Wed 16 Sep, 2009 5:55 am Post subject: Late Henrician swords |
|
|
What style of sword would the common English soldiery of the mid-16th century be carrying?
We know basket-hilt swords existed as early as 1545 (several examples were found on the Mary Rose) but I've always assumed that these were gentlemen's / officer's swords since they would have been the latest fashion and therefore quite prestigious.
The typical English archer of the period, likely recruited on an as-needs basis, is unlikely to have the means to afford a high-quality weapon like a basket-hilt. So, what would he arm himself with, if anything?
I assume some form of general-purpose cut-and-thrust sword would be favoured in preference to the (thrusting) rapier. After all, the English archer was never renowned for his subtly and delicacy!
Any advice you can offer will be gratefully received.
|
|
|
|
Randall Moffett
|
Posted: Wed 16 Sep, 2009 6:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
Glennan,
I have loads of pictures of this period of swords. Here are two but let me know if you'd like more and I will look about for more.
These are both mid 16th, give or take a decade or so on either side or there abouts.
Ignore the guy in the 17th century armour in the second one.
RPM
Attachment: 18.26 KB
Attachment: 16.97 KB
|
|
|
|
Gabriele Becattini
|
Posted: Wed 16 Sep, 2009 7:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
yes please, i'd like to see more mid XVIth century sword, it's also one of my main area of interest.
|
|
|
|
David Evans
|
Posted: Wed 16 Sep, 2009 9:15 am Post subject: Mid 16th Century |
|
|
By Mid 16th Century I assume you're looking at the last of Henry VIII's trips overseas, Mary's defence of Calsis and Elizabeth 1st's trips up north?
To be honest, the sources that cover the levying of troops to serve make very little mention of swords. Yes the men will get swords. And that's pretty much your lot....!
The later Elizabethen references usually refer to "Turkey blades" and close hilts or basket hilts. Daggers are always included, the lot to be worn on hamger and girdle.
I think they keep refering to "Turkey blades" as a whole group of blades are lumped in the Book of Rates for Excise duties under "Turkey", including Venetian, Schiavona and other fine blades.....
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
All contents © Copyright 2003-2024 myArmoury.com All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum
|