Composite Sidesword (Hilt based on Wallace Collection A550)
This sidesword is a composite of a reproduction of an existant hilt and pommel with a blade geometry of my own design.
Hilt of bright steel. Pear-shaped pommel, vertically relieved with seven raised and fluted or roped ribs; fluted, wire-bound grip; shot, straight quillons, square in section, thickening at the ends; knuckle-guards, side-rings, pas-d’âne, and plain transverse guard at the back, all square in section, the edges chiseled with rope pattern… 1
The original is on display in the Wallace Collection, London (Object A550).
The reproduction of the hilt is as close to the original as possible, yet mirrored for a left-handed fencer.
The blade geometry is based on object 191.890 from the civilian armoury in Vienna (Bürgerliches Zeughaus)2, with modified cross section shape (hexagon), and added fuller with inscription: ··· F E S T I N A · L E N T E ··· / ··· D · O · M ··· .
- Overall length: 1035mm
- Blade length: 900mm
- Crossguard length: 176mm
- Blade width at base: 35mm
- Point of balance: 124mm
- Weight: 1070g
All images © Stefan Feichtinger, if not otherwise noted.
- 1.Mann J. European Arms and Armour Volume II. London: William Clowes and Sons; 1962.
- 2.Fortner F, Schrattenecker J. Detailed Measurement of Edged Weapons from the Wiener Bürgerliches Zeughaus. De Lo Schermo. http://www.rapier.at/download/197/. Published 2015. Accessed 2020.
