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  Sword of War Price: $ 215.00 See details  The Agincourt Sword Price: $ 167.50 See details  The Agincourt Sword (Brass) Price: $ 167.50 See details  The Lucerne Prince Sword (from 1350-1370). Lucerne" Prince Sword - (Type: XVa) - Pommel-type: J, Cross-style: 8, Dates: c. 1350-1370. Collection: Royal Armouries. The oroginal was found in the Lake of Lucerne in Switzerland. The find condition was poor, with a lot of pitting beneath the patina. This form of sword seems to have been... Price: $ 239.00 See details  The Mercenary Price: $ 225.00 See details  Towton Sword Price: $ 225.00 See details  War Sword - steel version The War Sword is a hand-and-a-half design from the early 14th century. Price: $ 177.50 See details  White Knight Sword White chrome-hilted White Knight (SC-3502-AM) combines a high quality finish with fully-tempered high carbon spring steel blades. Price: $ 168.00 See details  White Shadow Sword The White Shadow is a hand-and-a-half style Arming sword whose design dates from the 15th century. Price: $ 170.00 Result pages: [1] [2]