[Toni Leivonen]

Can anyone point me towards some source to find more information on the dimensions and weights of original complex hilted dussacks?
The only I've really managed to find is the Wallace Collection sword, and a bunch of reproductions claiming to be be based on museum ones, but I'm kinda wary of blindly just believing those.

[Chris Dayton]

Toni,

I have an antique Continental (probably German) basket-hilted backsword that some have described as a dussack or tessak. Likely dates to the late 1500s-early 1600s. Top in the attached image.

Its stats are below. I hope you find them helpful.


Weight/mass: 2 lb 10.8 oz; 1.21 kg

Total length: 43.3”; 110 cm

Blade length: 38.0”; 96.5 cm

Guard max length (quillons): 10.5”; 26.7 cm

Basket max width: 4.38”; 11.1 cm

Grip length: 3.6”; 9.4 cm

Blade max width at guard: 1.14”; 2.90 cm

Point of balance: 4.92”; 12.5 cm

Distal taper of the blade: 0.35” or 9 mm thick just below the guard, tapering to 0.12” or 3 mm thick at 4” or 10 cm from the tip

[Toni Leivonen]