Morphology Knightly sword

the widespread typology medieval sword developed ewart oakeshott in 1960, based on blade morphology. oakeshott (1964) introduced additional typology pommel shapes.

a more recent typology due geibig (1991). geibig s typology focusses on swords continental transitonal period high medieval period (early 8th late 12th centuries) , not extend late medieval period.

blade length 69 81 centimetres (27 32 in); however, examples exist 58 100 centimetres (23 39 in). pommels commonly of brazil-nut type around 1000-1200 ad, wheel pommel appearing in 11th , predominating 13th 15th centuries.

however, oakeshott (1991) emphatic on point medieval sword cannot conclusively dated based on morphology. while there general trends in development of fashion, many of popular styles of pommels, hilts , blades remain in use throughout duration of high middle ages.

blade

the common knightly swords of high medieval period (11th 12th centuries) fall under types x xii.

type x norman sword developed out of medieval viking sword 11th century. type xi shows development towards more tapering point seen during 12th century. type xii further development, typical throughout crusades period, showing tapering blade shortened fuller. subtype xiia comprises longer , more massive great-swords developed in mid-13th century, designed counter improvements in mail armour; these predecessors of late medieval longsword (see cawood sword).

type xiii knighly sword typical of later 13th century. swords of type have long, wide blades parallel edges, terminating in rounded or spatulate tip, , lens-shaped cross-section. hilts become longer, 15 cm, allow occasional two-handed use. pommels of brazil-nut or disk shapes. subtype xiiia has longer blades , hilts. these knightly great-swords , or grans espées d allemagne seamlessly develop longsword type in 14th century. subtype xiiib describes smaller single-handed swords of similar shape. form classified type xiv develops towards end of high medieval period, around 1270, , remained popular during decades of 14th century. depicted on tomb effigies of english knights of period, there few surviving specimens. continuations of knightly sword arming sword type of late medieval period correspond oakeshott types xv, xvi , xviii.

pommel

oakeshott s pommel typology groups medieval pommel shapes 24 categories (some subtypes). type brazil-nut shape inherited classical viking sword . type b includes more rounded forms of a, including mushroom or tea-cosy shape. type c cocked-hat shape found in viking swords, d, e , f derived variants of c.

type g disk-pommel found in medieval swords. type h variant of disk pommel, edges chamfered off. 1 of found shapes throughout 10th 15th centuries. i, j , k derived variants of disk pommel.

types l s rare shapes, in many cases difficult date. type l has trefoil-like shape; possibly limited spain in 12th 13th centuries. type m special derived variant of multi-lobed pommel of viking age, found in limited number of swords (see cawood sword). types p ( shield-shaped ) , q ( flower-shaped ) not known attested in surviving sword , known period artwork. r spherical pommel, known few specimens.

types t z pommel shapes used in late medieval period; t fig or pear or scent-stopper shape, first used in 14th century, seen frequency after 1360, numerous derived forms 16th century. u key-shaped type used in second half of 15th century.

v fish-tail pommel, used in 15th century. z cat s head shape apparently used exclusively in venice.