Two Handed-Sword (MAM Object 3)
This two–handed sword is a similar type of weapon that is depicted in Achille Marozzo’s 1 treatise, but can be dated earlier to about 1450-1500. With its long and slender blade it is suitable for cuts as well as thrusts. The blade has three fullers and parrying lugs and transitions from rectangular to hexagonal cross section along its length. The crossguard is of simple round shape, the grip consists of a wooden core, tapering towards the pommel, decorated with spiral flutes and covered in leather. A plain, pear–shaped pommel completes the sword.2
The original is located in Roberto Gotti’s Martial Arts Museum in Botticino (MAM).
The following list shows the measurements of the reproduction and the original (in parentheses).
- Overall length: 1485mm (1612mm)
- Blade length: 1128mm (1250mm)
- Crossguard length: 372mm (372mm)
- Grip length: 280mm (280mm)
- Point of balance: 82mm (110mm)
- Weight: 1974g (2080g)
The reproduction is mostly true to the original, yet blunt for sparring use. This adds a a bit of weight and the handling suffers a little. The blade length has been increased to custom fit a fencer, with proper cross section modification of course. (LINK cross section progression). Also, a brass ring has been fitted to the crossguard end of the grip.
All images © Stefan Feichtinger, if not otherwise noted.
- 1.Marozzo A. Opera Nova. Antonio D. Bergolae; 1536.
- 2.Fortner F, Schrattenecker J, Rapp K. Detailed Measurement of Edged Weapons from the Gotti Collection. De Lo Schermo. http://www.rapier.at/2018/07/13/detailed-measurment-of-edged-weapons-from-the-mam-martial-arts-museum-botticino-roberto-gotti-collection/. Published 2018. Accessed 2019.
