The swords of medieval Europe (approximately 500 to 1600 AD) evolved from steel Celtic swords, which in turn arose from a tradition of straight, double-edged swords which began with bronze swords as early as 1,500 BC. At the opening of the Middle Ages these swords tended to have blades just under a yard in length with a grip designed to accommodate a single hand; the other hand being concerned with the grip of a shield. Essentially all of the earliest medieval swords and many throughout the period were designed to cut, having surprisingly thin blades, especially towards the tip, which was often rounded. By the close of the Middle Ages, swords increasingly are stouter and more sharply pointed, being optimized for the thrust, the cut having been rendered less effective by improvements in armour. Similarly, with these armour improvements, the shield became redundant and swords with hilts effectively accommodating both hands make their appearance and grow in popularity.

The development of a amazingly wide diversity of hilt forms characterizes the European Renaissance, but in the Age of Enlightenment, the role of the sword as a personal weapon in most of Europe ends with the nasty foppish decadence of the small sword.

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Result pages: [1] [2]  See details  15th Century Scottish Single Hand Sword Price: $ 299.00 See details  Agincourt Sword Agincourt Sword Price: $ 129.00 See details  Arbedo Sword (A) In Arbedo on June 22, 1422 A.D. the famous Milanese cavalry commander Carmagnola, along with Angelo de la Pergola, 6,000 horsemen and 4,000 footmen, attacked an army of 4,000 Swiss pikemen and halberdiers. This was his first encounter with the Swiss, and his cavalry was stopped cold by the... Price: $ 195.00 See details  Archer's Sword Archer's Sword Price: $ 215.00 See details  Black Baron Sword Overall length 33" Blade length 26" Price: $ 189.00 See details  Black Knight Sword Blades: 27-1/2" Overall: 35-1/2" Price: $ 169.00 See details  Black Prince Sword Late 14th century Hand and a Half Sword (Type: XVa) Price: $ 235.00 See details  Black Prince Sword Late 14th century Hand and a Half Sword (Type XVa) - The original sword, which rests in a private collection in England, is thought to possibly be the sword of Edward the Black Prince. The Black Prince, son of Edward III and father of Richard II, was known as a great warrior. The sword was... Price: $ 239.00 See details  Black Shadow Sword The Black Shadow is the black chromed version of the Arming Sword with the same high-carbon spring steel blade and leather-wrapped grip. Blade: 30" Overall: 40". Scabbard not included - available below. Price: $ 225.00 See details  Edward III Sword Edward III of England was a warriorking who is remembered in history for his dramatic victory against the French at Crecy (1346) and his sword, far from being a purely ceremonial piece, was made to be wielded in battle. Price: $ 365.00 See details  English Tuck Sword Perfect for splitting mail rings. Circa 1500-1550. Price: $ 164.00 See details  Falchion Sword Although its prevalence in Medieval art testifies to its popularity, very few original falchions still exist. This rarity of surviving specimens may be more proof of its popularity Price: $ 165.00 See details  Hand-and-a-Half Sword Price: $ 305.00 See details  Hand-and-a-Half Sword (Steel) Price: $ 155.00 See details  Henry V Sword Price: $ 160.00 See details  Irish Hand and a Half Sword Irish hand-and-a-half sword. Our Generation 2 design, upgraded to Steel-to-Steel capability. Dating around 1475 - 1525 A.D. It features a full tang construction, high carbon blade that is flexible and strong. High polished steel cross guard and pommel, leather wrapped handle. This sword is... Price: $ 239.00 See details  Irish Hand-And-A-Half Sword Price: $ 255.00 See details  Joan of Arc Sword Price: $ 180.00 See details  Late Medieval Soldier's Sword Price: $ 197.00 See details  Lionheart Sword Price: $ 150.00 See details  Matching English Long Sword Price: $ 190.00 See details  Maximilian Sword Price: $ 205.00 See details  Mercenary Sword Price: $ 175.00 See details  Norman Sword Price: $ 129.00 See details  Poitier's French Short Sword Price: $ 155.00 See details  Rhinelander Price: $ 195.00 See details  Sir William Marshall Folded Steel Sword This is the Folded Steel version of the Sir William Marshall sword - shown above. Price: $ 785.00 See details  Sir William Marshall Sword Swords of Honor is proud to present a piece based from the original that was used by one of the finest Knights, Sir William Marshall, who served the Crown of England faithfully under Henry II, Richard the Lionheart and Jack Lackland. Sir William Marshall was born a poor noble about 1145 A.D. but... Price: $ 310.00 See details  Sir William Marshall Sword - Folded Steel Our single-hand Marshall Sword (SH2000, SH2001 - Damascus Folded Steel) sets new standards of quality and authenticity in broadsword construction. The sword is based on an original, now in a British musuem, used by one of England’s finest knights, Sir William Marshall, who served the crown... Price: $ 785.00 See details  Swiss Baselard Price: $ 165.00 Result pages: [1] [2]