Schiavona

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The schiavona was a Renaissance sword that became popular in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries. Stemming from the 16th-century sword of the Venetian Doge guard, the name came from the fact that the guard consisted largely of Dalmatian Slavs (Schiavoni).

Classified as a true broadsword, this war sword had a wider blade than its contemporary civilian rapiers. It was basket hilted (often with an imbedded quillon for an upper guard) and its blade was double edged. A surviving blade measures 93.2 cm × 3.4 cm × 0.45 cm and bears two fullers running about 1/4 the length of the blade. Weighing in at around 1.1 kg, this blade was useful for both cut and thrust.

The schiavona became popular among the armies of those who traded with Italy during the 17th century. It also became the weapon of choice for many heavy cavalry. Compare English mortuary swords.

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[edit] External links

• Spotlight: The Schiavona and its Influences (myArmoury.com article)