Early Rapier or Sidesword

[@ladyymir1478]

Easily one of the prettiest swords I've ever seen.

[@Marcus1293]

That sword is beautiful.

[@Kamamura2]

Sideswords are fine, because opponents tend to be vulnerable when flanked, but even sidesword pales before the backsword with its stellar 3xCRIT backstab damage.

[@hraefn1821]

that is gorgeous condition. I'm loving this 50/50 balance between rapier and side sword. I'd LOVE a reproduction of this to cut with.

[@TheFlyingMage]

Something about the design of this sword makes it very appealing. It wants to be in your hand.

[@williestyle35]

Thought this exact thing when Matt showed the hilt in close up. Good comment.

[@George_M_]

The frequent implications that his sponsor is just plain wrong about the dating is funny.

[@scholagladiatoria]

These videos are not sponsored and all opinions are my own - I might be wrong :-)

[@ChloeV-c3d]

I can't wait for that little smallsword on the backwall there, looks gorgeous!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Unfortunately I didn't do that one.

[@ChloeV-c3d]

@@scholagladiatoria :O guess I'll have to grab a lottery ticket and see if I can't get a better close up! Appreciate all the time and effort you put in Mr Easton.

[@FiliiMartis]

Thank you, Matt! You made my day. I had a look at what we would call Bolognese sideswords, pieces held in museums and sold at auctions, and my estimates from photos (where possible) give blades under 3.5cm wide, closer to 3.2cm (at the widest point). So yes, the sideswords are closer to spadroons than broadswords. Broader balded swords are referred to by Italians as Spada da Fante (infantry sword) and I would adapt it to English as Field Swords (from field of battle). They tend to be shorter than 90cm in blade length, though. Ultimately, I fully agree that we need to consider the fencing system when calling a swords something or another. The separation between a rapier and a sidesword is mainly due to the fencing system, and Camillo Agrippa (died 1595) is the line in the sand. Last, the Oakeshott Institute has a relatively famous piece (Spanish Rapier) made in 1596 in Toledo by Alonzo de Sahagun. The guys at Arms and Armor use it quite a lot in their videos to showcase original pieces. The sweeps are basically the same. These are the only two swords that have this type of sweeps as far as I found (in particular the abrupt connection with the finger ring or the rear side-port ring; compared to a more gradual transition, if people know what I mean). This is why the piece from the Olympia Auctions caught my eye (and such a beautiful piece). The way the quillon block allows for the thumb to rest is also quite elegant.

[@steemlenn8797]

Ah, the famous Bolognese sideswords, used to chop meat really really small!

[@FiliiMartis]

@@steemlenn8797 Is this a pasta joke? Look into Bologna and its history. There are more important things associated with that city than a meat sauce. Just saying... there's an entire fencing tradition named after it (and since this is a sword related channel I'm ignoring the university system it created, just like I am with the sauce).

[@steemlenn8797]

@@FiliiMartis So fencing isn't about chopping meat? Yes, of course it was a joke. Just laugh. Or ignore it if you think it's stupid.

[@FiliiMartis]

@@steemlenn8797 "So fencing isn't about chopping meat?" No, since we wouldn't otherwise have a discussion about what is a cut and thrust sidesword and what is a thrust focused rapier. So it's not about chopping meat, it's also about skewering it. P.S. Oh, it was a joke (then I'll give it a 3/10; mine was better). I guess it wasn't to my taste... I'm on a diet.

[@JanetStarChild]

That is indeed a beautiful sword. It sits somewhere between refined and rustic; it looks elegant yet robust.

[@williestyle35]

The more Matt showed it, the more I thought the same thing.

[@Josh_Green44]

That is a fantastic example, indeed. Key elements that I particularly like are the "short" grip, the substantial roundish pommel, and the length of the arms of the crossguard. The blade is obviously beautiful, too. Looks like a very balanced and nimble sword.

[@speakupriseup4549]

The diamond pattern on the grip is very appealing

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Cool sword. I would think it is a rapier at that length and thinness. Nevertheless, cool sword and thank you for giving us the opportunity to see the auction stock with your learned commentary in the actual context. Cheers!

[@theeddorian]

One sound reason for wearing an older sword is simply that it serves the purpose it was designed for.

[@emmitstewart1921]

Another reason might be that you have used that type of sword before and are more comfortable using it than a more modern style of weapon.

[@theeddorian]

@@emmitstewart1921 More or less what I meant. Shifting to a fully thrust-oriented would require a lot of retraining. One thing that might be a consideration is that chopping, slashing, and similar motions are reflexive in combat. So, that "cut" element in cut-and-thrust can be highly relevant.

[@exploatores]

It could be a way of showing that the family has history. even my grandfather could aford a expensive sword.

[@tatache5971]

This sword is gorgeous. Exactly the style of rapier that have my preference, which goes pretty will with some Giganti or Fabris fencing style. I have a rapier made by Tod in this style which is absolutely stunning.

[@jeremiahkindel9301]

That sword is beautiful! That one needs to be reproduced by windlass. Matt please tell me you got measurements and pictures. For the next windlass release.

[@SixDeadZeroHEMA]

It is certainly hard to agree classifications for swords which, contemporarily, were not really classified, and therefore not designed to be specifically distinct from one another. Sidesword/rapier is probably the messiest and greyest area in the business. For me, a rapier is a later sword with a thinner blade specialised for thrusting (although still very capable of delivering effective cuts) and a sidesword is an earlier sword, broader bladed with a focus on cuts. Which makes this sword... a transitional sword between rapier and sidesword? My opinion is not very helpful here. I'd call it a sidesword if you forced me to pick one, but I wouldn't be correcting anyone saying this is a rapier. EDIT: lol just watched the rest of the video, nice to see Matt came to the same conclusion! Glad I'm not talking nonsense.

[@patrickkelly1070]

What a lovely example. Mat, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@robinmarks4771]

Absolutely exquisite piece.

[@Burnishedsilver]

Wow! Loving the proportion of the hilt. Nice small handy components.

[@Poohze01]

That's my kind of rapier! Beautiful piece!

[@FlatcapHobbit]

That would be an awesome candidate to work with Windlass on in the future, beautiful!

[@crazypetec-130fe7]

Prettiest sword yet from this collection. If I won the lottery, I'd bid on it.

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

The pommel makes me think of a pinecone.

[@mallardtheduck406]

Matt, You are an incredibly lucky man to be able to hold that beautiful Sidesword/rapier. I believe your Assessment of the piece is correct. I hope You become the owner of it. You deserve it due to the knowledge and passion you have for historical swords! 🦆

[@BreakChannelZero]

Gotta say, I really did enjoy seeing that sword.

[@Cyberrat629]

What a beautiful sword! Thank you so much for sharing this with us Matt. Another vote, or hope, or pleading for LK Chen to be able to make copies of this sword.

[@adamtennant4936]

What a gorgeous sword!

[@martinhg98]

Can you make a video on the types of sword that cavalry and infantry soldiers usen in the 1550s - 1650s

[@Redeye308350]

Beautiful! Please inspire Windlass to add that to their reproductions

[@emmitstewart1921]

When I see such a beautiful weapon, I can't help wondering about its personal history. Who made it? Who was it made for? When and where did it see action? Was it passed down through some family as a treasured heirloom, or was it pawned and laid on the pawnshop shelf for centuries?

[@maikerusazarando857]

The audio on this one was pretty good

[@PalleRasmussen]

Another beautiful blade.

[@timjacobs8169]

I'd love to see a video on the rapier and other weapons found in the Theodul glacier

[@gamerandartist2]

Soon, you to will join the sidesword and rapier group. I miss doing sabre.

[@rembrandtshadows]

Is there a modern replica of this blade?

[@benway23]

Thank you for your work.

[@willinnewhaven3285]

We have that "unknown alien fruit" growing out back. The iguanas like it..

[@kentallard8852]

another reason an older sword might be in the portrait is the subject didn't stand for it and the artist drew it from a stand in with a prop

[@benjaminjohnson6936]

That sword is, there is no other way to put it, sexy af. I am a sidesword guy and I would absolutely love to have a sword like this.

[@alfonzo9152]

Lovely, what is the ricasso thickness?

[@DarthGibberish]

IMO the difference isn't in the hilt, it's in blade length and geometry. Side swords are shorter and have a blade that narrows to a point fairly regularly. A rapier has a longer blade that narrows slowly over the length of the blade and then narrows to a point abruptly at the tip.

[@ThomasAndersonPhD]

Beautiful!

[@Miller1398]

I can understand wanting to use your father's sword. I used my dad's clutch pencil and my grandfather's railroad curves to draft

[@metal--babble346]

the length is incredible. Extra pokey

[@Jim58223]

What watch are you wearing Matt? Thanks

[@scholagladiatoria]

A Seiko. I'm not actually sure which model it is.

[@Jim58223]

@@scholagladiatoria Thanks, was looking to get a new watch

[@robertfoley8414]

Send info to Windlass! Send to LK Chen! Must be copied!

[@KJAkk]

I just had the same thought. Do it!

[@richardpashos]

No. They will just make hilts by casting and it will be rubbish.

[@stefthorman8548]

@@richardpashos so it's not the shape of the hilt you like, it's the polish? and construction method? are you serious?

[@MrWizardjr9]

If they are interested they can buy it

[@sky4eyes]

so did you buy anything

[@strategicbushcraft6391]

Looks like a rapier to me. This example is a very good all-around weapon.

[@raphlvlogs271]

do you consider the Sidesword a transitional stage between the medieval arming sword and the rapier?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes, pretty much.

[@DawnLenn]

Beautiful sword! 😍

[@lanceriggs534]

I love such swords and I'm curious how effective they are. Sounds like they are good at cut and thrust.

[@machfront]

Oddly, this makes me think of the 1973 musketeers film wherein Micheal York’s D’Artagnan is gifted his father’s sword, looking every bit around about a hundred years older to the other weapons we see later and throughout the film. So sad it was so early broken. Heheh

[@thinusconradie4297]

Ah yes, the Unknown Alien Fruit pommel. I think it's referenced in exactly those words in the Elizabethan "Thee Anarchiste's Cookebooke".

[@samuelferrell9257]

A side rapier sword. Beautiful

[@GaryChurch-hi8kb]

It is dated to the period where the mix between pike and shot was going toward the shot and the almost complete abandonment of armor.

[@CRIS.V1891]

Very beautiful sword ! 🤤👏

[@nicholasr82]

How much would that go for?

[@davidhawley3337]

Someone, or a long line of someones, must have made some effort or gone to some trouble to preserve it. From here I see some age patina, but no significant corrosion.

[@SuperThodin]

Beautiful sword.

[@MtnManLucas]

W What did the early Spanish Conquistadors carry?

[@scholagladiatoria]

It depends what you mean by early exactly, but most of them would have had late styles of arming sword (often with finger rings and side rings) and what we now call sideswords.

[@DETHMOKIL]

oh man matt, you just made me register for an overseas auction with a 25% premium, don't make me actually start bidding lol

[@bobrobinson1576]

Both blade and hilt construction scream sidesword. I do like that grip. If that's not original it's done by an artist.

[@BuffordEvans]

What would it take ?

[@RMATFL]

Which will win, spadroon vs transitional rapier?

[@andreweden9405]

Matt, I may have missed it, but what do we think the nationality of this sword is? Or is it sort of "international" in style?

[@robbikebob]

Convinced that you were going to finish the piece saying "...and, I've bought it.." 😅

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video personally for me I would rather not have a rapier or a side sword they're just not my style. Now I will say the people who made them back then & even now are true craftsman because a lot of them are very beautiful & I can appreciate that ⚔️

[@astralshore]

I’ve always found a sidesword rapier than an estoc.

[@QuentinStephens]

Are you there as a prospective customer or as a consultant employed by them?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Just a video maker and antique collector

[@rorymonkey]

Do you think the design is a representative of the pineapple?

[@lukewilliams8548]

In my perceptions, the blade is too long and narrow for a side sword (though I know that's subjective). Plenty of other rapiers have similar cutting capacity (so far as I know). Though when it comes to hilt complexity/coverage, I think this one is very much in the in-between/overlap.

[@salvadorsempere1701]

After Matt making an Ian it´s he going to change the name of the channel to "Forgotten Weapons"?

[@deedoublejay]

Curious to see how much Matt comes home with on the 26th.

[@davidioanhedges]

Side Sword is a sword you wear at your side Rapier is a espada ropera, or dress sword - i.e. one you wear at your side ... This is a beautiful sword that is between being worn at the side and when properly dressed ...😉

[@scholagladiatoria]

The 'ropera' explanation is now generally thought to be wrong, and is a term that barely ever turns up in period texts. It is now thought that the word derives from the French word raspiere - to poke

[@davidioanhedges]

@@scholagladiatoria So it's a poking sword, not a worn sword ... which is mostly used to poke ...

[@stephens2241]

Question: were "sideswords" really just spadroons before they were cool?

[@marksteven6116]

very nice hope they dont ban them

[@bencoomer2000]

The missing link!!!

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Love that sword, eh. That just about tops every one of the sabre designs. If I had the spare moula it would definitely be mine.

[@JustClaude13]

I would call it a transitional rapier. Not quite a true rapier but no longer a conventional cut and thrust. I suspect like Fred Astaire, it can dance a little.

[@mollofamerika]

Todd's Workshop reproduction when?

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Munich Town Guard Sword?

[@edi9892]

That's shorter and broader. He has videos on it.

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

I'm happy to know that the Balder Side Sword in Dark Souls 1 had an accurate moveset.

[@H.A.Bleikamp]

Why is the handgrip this short

[@lalli8152]

Lot of the time rapier i think would be used finger over the guard like Matt held it so it doesnt need long grip. Finger over the guard gives more control, and rapier has guard designed to protect the finger or fingers above cross guard

[@robertvondarth1730]

We call those war rapiers

[@vedymin1]

So basically some sideswords went full rapier and then came back to sideswords as war rapiers ? So many transitions...i wonder if they needed surgery 🐸

[@Braindazzled]

I'm always frustrated with people who obsess about specific naming terminology, as if we're talking about computer hardware or weapon specifics from D&D.

[@hadeseye2297]

In Poland rapier was also called spit. Yeah. BBQ time. A long, thin toothpick which you use to "impale" guts of your opponent. "Light the fire people." The one you have doesn't resemble rapier to me. It's too thick. ;)

[@somerando1073]

Very nice sword. While I understand the fuzziness of period sword naming, to me, I would definitely call that a rapier.

[@brassbandmission1643]

Rapiers are cool!

[@retohaner5328]

Can't beat the rapier allegations

[@HobieH3]

Sweet!

[@albireotheredguard1599]

Good Lord did I read that title wrong!

[@FrancisFjordCupola]

Obviously it's a rapier when it's right-handed or ambi-dextrous. It's a side-sword when it's for left-handed use. Place your internet disclaimer for sarcasm here.

[@OndrejSc]

Ray Pierce

[@machfront]

Side sword…rapier… Who cares? That little machine is a beautiful lady! 😁

[@basp-ef7jx]

The blade is too thick to be a rapier. Side sword, absolutely gorgeous.

[@Greenmahn333]

👍

[@phileas007]

so is it a spadroon on steroids???

[@Cobalt-60]

Spada da Lato. 😁

[@EddieWhitmon]

Scholly!

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Distal taper?? Ohhhhhhhhhh