From the collection of:
Frazier Historical Arms Museum || VAM Home

This knightly sword has a branch-like writhen grip. Although swords often appear heavy and clumsy, most of them weigh only between two and four pounds. Swords for war became longer during the 13th century, and their grips extended to allow them to be used with one hand or two. During the 14th century, specialized swords with longer grips and blades for use with two hands were used in close combat. The sword blades were also more sharply pointed for thrusting and cutting, probably as a result of the introduction of plate armor. By the 15th century, such swords were known as bastard or hand-and-a-half swords because they were neither one-handed nor two-handed.

About the Artist

Swords are traditionally forged by hand by bladesmiths or blacksmiths. The work could range from very utilitarian to highly ornamental. Bladesmithing continues to be a form of artisanship today, requiring an understanding of both science and art.

Classroom Ideas

Discussion: What was going on in Europe in the 15th century? What does this sword tell us about warfare and life of the time? What else do you know about knights and how they lived? What would you like to know? Look at other European art, such as paintings and illustrations, from the 1400s and 1500s. Do you think this sword is an artistic representation of its time? Why do you think this sword might have been able to survive for more than 500 years? What kind of special care might an artifact like this require?

Activities: Imagine who might have used this sword. Create a drawing or write a story about this person.

Plan an exhibit of items relating to life in medieval Europe. Make a list of what types of items you would include. Find images of these items and create a poster display.

Links

The History and Art of Weapons, a guide to the Frazier Historical Arms Museum created by the Louisville Courier-Journal, includes background on the museum itself as well as the history of arms as works of art.
[www.courier-journal.com/cjextra/frazier/]

See more images of historic arms at the Frazier web site.
[www.frazierarmsmuseum.org/media/royal/royal.php]

Read a brief history of the sword, with vocabulary terms, at the Armadillo Armory site.
[www.armadilloarmory.com/hxsword.htm]

Find out more about Britain’s Royal Armouries and artifact preservation at the armouries web site.
[www.armouries.org.uk]

Learn about medieval armor at Knights and Armor.com.
[www.knightsandarmor.com/index.htm]