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Johannes S.
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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 Posted: Sun 16 May, 2004 2:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | How historicaly accurate is this sword because this is the first smallsword I noticed that has almost a saber style guard. |
The heart shaped guard that is on the Del Tin smallsword is what is often called a "boat shell" guard. It is known as hilt type 113 in A.V.B. Norman's The Rapier & Smallsword 1460-1820 "from 1720 onwards." The boat shell guard survived well into the 19th century on military swords as well. This style of guard was not uncommon.
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/5531.html
Here is a thread that features a smallsword hilted spadroon with guard of the same form.
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=1545
| Quote: | | And how does it compare with G.G.Godwin's Smallsword,the Cold Steel Smallsword, Pheonix Metal Creatings Smallsword, or anyother sharp smallswords availible on the market that is under $400? |
I wish I could help you out, I have not seen one of Cold Steel's smallswords, or the Del Tin to comment on. The Phoenix Metal Creations (Erik Stevenson) smallsword was a custom piece for a customer, as are all his swords. He did an awesome job on the reproduction. I was fortunate to get on his waiting list, I have a smallsword on order from Erik. More on that one when the time comes around. 
A smallsword by Erik Stevenson
http://www.myArmoury.com/albums/photo/5358.html
None of the smallswords on the market are sharpened, as the smallsword is a thrust-only weapon, a sharp point is all you need.  I have not seen an antique smallsword with a sharpened blade. But this is not to say they they do not exist, I'm sure some there are existing examples . You would probably be more likely to find a blade of hexagonal or diamond cross section sharpened rather than one triangular in shape. Just my thought on the matter.
The Del Tin Smallsword
32" blade
Last edited by Stephen A. Fisher on Sun 16 May, 2004 4:08 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Sun 16 May, 2004 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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Just something I've found interesting about these heart shaped guards is that when looking at pictures of a several antique early smallswords. A half-heart shaped guard is clearly evident, they could be seen as a forerunner to the full heart shaped guard.
From the Royal Swedish Armory
http://www.thearma.org/spotlight/heymr.htm
 
From the latest Czerny's International Auction House catalog
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Johannes S.
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| Posted: Mon 17 May, 2004 8:28 am Post subject: |
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THank you very much Stephen. One last question though. Is The G.G.Godwin smallsword sharp? And if it is sharp is only part or all the blade sharp? Thanks again.
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Mon 17 May, 2004 8:31 am Post subject: |
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| Johannes S. wrote: | | THank you very much Stephen. One last question though. Is The G.G.Godwin smallsword sharp? And if it is sharp is only part or all the blade sharp? Thanks again. |
Hi Johannes,
The Godwin smallsword is blunt, except for the point.
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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Roger Hooper
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| Posted: Mon 17 May, 2004 9:10 am Post subject: |
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And never forget the Arms and Armor model, a screaming little demon of a smallsword.
Picture by Mr. Fisher
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Adam R
Location: Vale of Belvoir, UK Joined: 15 Jan 2004
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Mon 17 May, 2004 9:24 am Post subject: |
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| Roger Hooper wrote: | And never forget the Arms and Armor model, a screaming little demon of a smallsword.
Picture by Mr. Fisher |
Is that an epee blade on it's side?
Adam Roylance
KDF Nottingham
www.nottinghamsword.co.uk
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Mon 17 May, 2004 10:29 am Post subject: |
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| Adam R wrote: | | Is that an epee blade on it's side? |
Hi Adam,
A&A uses what is known as a musketeer / "double-wide" epee blade. While they look similar, they are quite different from the sport blade.
http://www.myArmoury.com/review_aa_ss.html
| Quote: | | And never forget the Arms and Armor model, a screaming little demon of a smallsword. |
Hi Roger,
I was compelled to order another one a few weeks ago when they still had the myArmoury.com 5% discount. I ordered it with turks heads & a 32" blade. The sad fact is that I still miss my old one that I sold to James Aldrich. This one will be nice, and a permanent keeper.
To answer Johannes question about sharp smallswords on the market. I'm sure Albion could sharpen the Del Tin if asked. Other than that, the other smallswords that I have seen all have blades of triangular cross section and are not sharped. I do not know of any one who has Cold Steel's smallsword. So I can't say anything about it's quality, etc.
Cold Steel Smallsword
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This is a standard topic