italian falchion in XVe century -- myArmoury.com

Laloë Franck · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:01 pm Post subject: italian falchion in XVe century

Hello
with an aim of reconstituting the equipment of Italian mercenary to the service of byzance in XVe century, I wish to find a weapon of the type "falchion". Can somebody indicate specifically Italian model to me? Until now, I find only references to English modeles... Thank you in advance

Greyson Brown · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:34 pm Post subject:

It's a little fancy for a mercenary, I think, but Nathan Robinson had the Arms & Armour Medici Falchion in his collection. The original on which it is based is location in the Wallace Collecion, London. Here's one of the pictures from Nathan's collection:

I'm not aware of any other existing falchions that are considered to be of Italian origin I could have sworn there was on ein the hands-on reviews, but I can't find it). Period artwork would probably you best bet for finding an example. Then you might be able to modify and existing replica or comission a custom piece.

Hope that helps.

-Grey

Greyson Brown · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject:

Okay, found the review I was looking for, but I think it is just a general falchion design. Certainly doesn't say anything in the review about it claiming to be from a specific area. Guess that one wasn't much help.

-Grey

Dominic Dellavalle · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:43 pm Post subject:

I had this one sitting on my hard drive here at work. I believe it's Italian although I want to say closer to 16th century for the time period.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:48 pm Post subject:

MRL offers three falchions, of which two are reportedly Italian (the St. Michael piece has an attractive hilt and is in your period of interest, but I think their decision to make this a double-edge weapon was ill-advised). Here's a link to their falchion page:

http://www.museumreplicas.com/WebStore/Search...a=falchion

Wolfgang Armbruster · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:49 pm Post subject:

Here are quite a few italian Falchions, unfortunately almost 100 years too late.
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/thumbnails.ph...h=falchion

I doubt that Falchions differed much in the 15th century, Italian and English ones probably looked quite similar.
A short heavy curved blade, a straight or curved cross-guard, most likely a wheel-pommel.

Here's an original together with a recreation by Peter Johnson:

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Greyson Brown · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:55 pm Post subject:

Some more:

Museum Replicas
Italian Falchion
They claim it is copied from a 16th century piece in the Florence Museum. That would be later than you wanted, though.

The Sword Of St. Michael
Based on one in a painting in the Florence Museum. Also late 15th or 16th century.

To me, both of these pieces look rather similar to the ones depicted in English and French artwork of the fifteenth century.

ARMA says:
'A later Italian falchion with a slender sabre-like blade was called a "storta" or a "malchus".' I don't know what they consider 'later.' You might want to do some research on those two terms.

Bonhams had one for auction that was almost identical to what Dominic posted. Theirs is dated late 16th or early 17th century.

-Grey

Edit: These are the same ones that Sean gave the link to. He did that while I was typing, so you get the info twice. Enjoy!

Sean Flynt · Posted: Tue 10 Jan, 2006 12:58 pm Post subject:

See this thread as well:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...t=falchion

Laloë Franck · Posted: Wed 11 Jan, 2006 10:12 am Post subject:

I thank you all!
the final choices will undoubtedly go on a weapon inspired by that seen on the picture representing St Michel. An Italian costume made good (I am well informed) and a simple weapon but of good quality should give a good look.
Thank you still

Greyson Brown · Posted: Wed 11 Jan, 2006 12:42 pm Post subject:

While I agree with the concerns about the MRL sword being correct in having two edges, I do think that would be a good choice for a sword to base yours on. It's simple enough to belong to a wide time frame, but still distinct enough that it's Italian origin can be easily defended if necessary.

Do you intend to have a custon piece made? If so, I, and I think it is safe to say all of us, would really like to see some pictures of it.

-Grey

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Greyson Brown · Posted: Thu 12 Jan, 2006 2:45 am Post subject:

Oops, you're right. Got Italian Falchion stuck in my head and forgot to look at the date. Sorry about that.

-Grey

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Laloë Franck · Posted: Thu 12 Jan, 2006 8:57 am Post subject:

Greyson says that it wishes to see my weapon custom, if I make it realize.
Of course, I will have a pleasure of it. I will make a beautiful photograph color and I will put it on line.
It is least courtesy!