One of the BEST SWORD DESIGNS EVER? The Venetian Schiavona Sword Family

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Matt, you make me drool. I'm a basket hilt lover through and through, but these Schiavona (which I've somehow not seen before) have taken me to a new level of jealously for your job and exploits in the world of blades. You bastard.

[@pieterwerkstrengers1805]

Yes, he's a total basterd and also, "sciavonas? Hey, we've got a BUNCH of them..." is a sentence I never expected anyone to ever utter 😂

[@kazikek2674]

I get what you feel. Aesthetically, the Schiavonas are my favorite sword.

[@JosephAllen-d2e]

When will the Easton Schiavona be available through the Royal Armories collection?

[@albertpolak786]

more importantly, when available from Kvetun as a sparring version! xD

[@joshpearson1870]

@@albertpolak786 yes please

[@itspropuh210]

Schiavonas also are associated with Croatian mercenaries from Dalmatia region, since Dalmatia changed allegiances from Venice to Hungarian kingdom (later Habsburg monarchy) quite a lot. Many examples of Schiavonas can be found in Croatia too, for example, in Trakošćan castle (Zagorje region), armory part of museum has 9 Schiavonas on display. The name Schiavona means Slavic woman (speaking as a Croat). If anyone is interested in some Schiavona representation, I recommend the game “Hellish Quart”, it’s a fencing game, kind of like Mortal Kombat with HEMA. One of the characters, specifically Kalstein uses a Schiavona (Type 2), his fencing style, according to fandom wiki is Meyer rapier.

[@duje44]

Bro they are still used in folklore kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJjZoKF_jrGijNU

[@kaloarepo288]

I heard that the Italian greeting word ciaio comes from schiavo because most slaves in those days were Slavic people (schiavi and schiavoni in Italian)

[@joshpearson1870]

Amazing, I've been waiting for Matt to do this video for years. I love how the way the basket meets the pommel means these don't have the grip issues that mortuary hilts have.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@joshpearson1870]

@@scholagladiatoria These examples are beautiful.

[@hic_tus]

Matt Easton signature schiavona next year? I bet that it would cost a kidney though, that guard looks like a pain to make. I also bet Todd can do it though🤔

[@jonasbarka]

My favorite sword type! I love how it combines hand protection with free wrist movement. If there is such a thing as an optimal hilt, this is it.

[@dzonbrodi514]

Bit lumpy for wearing out and about, perhaps. Agree that they are beautiful

[@Redemptiametallicus]

The last one is absolutely gorgeous.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Who else is looking at all those swords behind Matt & is hoping he’s done a video on each & every one?

[@m_d_c_t]

The Type 2B Schiavona is one of my favorite sword designs, they have truly gorgeous guards.

[@dgoodman1484]

As an American I’m more of a firearm guy, but I will say much like the older British sporting shotguns, I find the craftsmanship of the older swords such as these to be fantastic works of functional art and quite interesting and entertaining to see. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jamieedwards6721]

The sword you signed off with, the basket hilt resembles the rat lines that sailors would have climbed to deal with the sails and rigging, an homage to the venetian maritime heritage perhaps.

[@gearandalthefirst7027]

True! Especially with the "sag" forged into them, would've been much easier to keep the bars straight so there's probably a reason they're not.

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Even before that I was thinking that the hilts would look like tall ships when the sword was being worn- complete with flag at the top!

[@ckt3016]

From the Most Serene Republic of Genoa: Bloody Venetians! Their damn trinkets are always so elegant and charming!

[@Dynotop1a]

The Venicians were cooking with this one.

[@-_pi_-]

How do you misspell a word that appears in the title.

[@IPostSwords]

Back when I regularly attended my club I borrowed one of these from a clubmate when we were doing baskethilt stuff (Silver). It fared very well and was very ergonomic, in my hand anyway

[@notsans9995]

I really think you should work with LK chen to make a schiavana, particularly one with a crossbar through the basket. Theyve already made beautiful swept hilts.

[@TheHorzabora]

Such beautiful weapons. I’ve loved them since I was a teenager.

[@natel8777]

Absolute Banger Matt, cant wait for the next!!

[@SwordFighterPKN]

Always wanted one of these. It is such a nice looking sword

[@MadBenStyke]

Loving all of these auction videos! Keep up the good work!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Glad you like them!

[@thelegendaryklobb2879]

I agree, having the opportunity for such a close look at real historical pieces and getting Matt's impressions on their construction, craftsmanship and feel as he handles them is a treasure.

[@kyleman605]

I have a replica of the last Schiavona you showed with a hilt by the late eb Erickson and a del tin blade. Lovely sword I’m very grateful to have such a faithful replica.

[@tatache5971]

Those schiavone are magnifiscent! I love the earlier ones, and the schiavonesce. So happy that you showed the one in the background, looks stunning.

[@martinhg98]

I love Mats new forgotten swords

[@theromanorder]

2:12 would love a video on this

[@slackerpope]

Please make a video about basket hilts throughout Europe. I'd really like to know more about German & Saxon basket hills in particular. I'm a historical reenactment / HEMA person, so I'll be putting that knowledge to good use for my entire community. Glad you mentioned that basket hilts are not unique to Scotland & Italy. News to me. Cheers!

[@Remainsofaruineddeadcursed-d7t]

Id love to see that as well. Especially with the sheer lack of sources of information ive been able to find on the subject in English. Did look like there were a few in the background on some of his auction videos tho. So it's possible

[@dlatrexswords]

Oh that is just beautiful. You really know how to make a lad jealous ;-)

[@kazikek2674]

Thank you for sharing some info and visuals about those beautiful swords with us, Matt. One of the characters in my books will eventually use an early version of the Schiavona, so additional info about their construction was extremely welcone.

[@arx3516]

About the leather sleeve: Venice is also notorious for being rainy and damp.

[@quijybojanklebits8750]

Could be waxed leather so I wouldn't matter

[@VoidVagabond]

3:43 I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific than that Mr. Easton, there are thousands of cat memes.

[@stuartsamuel1879]

Thanks for mentioning the close fitting baskets! I’ve seen a few cheaper reproductions, and they tend to have enormous baskets.

[@boomanh63]

This has always been one of my favorite basket hilted swords. I had only seen replicas until this video. Thanks Matt for this! These are some beautiful swords.

[@simonbrooke4065]

Does the basket hilt not evolve because a soldier whose primary weapon is a firearm cannot wear clumsy gauntlets, so the hand protection must move from the glove to the sword? You fire your pistol or matchlock or flintlock, the enemy is closing so you don't have time to reload, you must switch to your side arm, so you draw your sword. Now your hand is vulnerable -- unless the sword itself provides hand protection. By contrast, a soldier whose primary weapon is a glave or poleaxe or halberd or other polearm has gauntlets on already, and cannot use a basket-hilted sword because the gauntlet won't fit in the basket. The fact that the Schiavona is typically a cutting weapon indicates that it is a weapon of an age in which armour was not much worn. Very early medieval weapons are primarily cutting weapons because they predate the widespread availability of good armour. As armour becomes more prevalent, swords become more thrust centric. But firearms defeat plate armour, rendering it increasingly obsolete, and the primarily cutting weapon returns. I agree that some Schiavoni are the most elegant of swords.

[@rikospostmodernlife]

That truly seems the case

[@rossdavies8250]

One of the most limber and satisfying swords I have ever used.

[@kakaz98]

Really been enjoying the Olympia Auction videos. What cool pieces!

[@polymathart]

I’ve always wanted a schiavona that could be used as both a sidesword and a basket-hilt broadsword.

[@buffoonustroglodytus4688]

No.

[@Remainsofaruineddeadcursed-d7t]

The hilts could be. But the blades are fundamentally different. Only if you have a screw tang and keep switching the blades out lol

[@buffoonustroglodytus4688]

@@Remainsofaruineddeadcursed-d7t you are dead wrong bruh. So wrong it hurts.

[@notsans9995]

Sounds like you just want a type XVI blade, wide base, fine peircing tip, probably 32-35 inches, in a schiavonna hilt. The blade is doable, the hard part is finding someone to make you the basket lol.

[@titanscerw]

Original Schiavona Scabbard, that is awesome catch - as the mercenaries came from Croats and close to so called Border Regions - Banat (later) inhabited by Magyar people (Hungarians) is it possible some mutual influence as the construction seems similar to original scabbards for Hungarian szabla. At least what I get from visual side of things and your description. +][+

[@thelegendaryklobb2879]

The kitty pommel automatically makes this the best sword ever Loved its design since I first discovered it, very robust and powerful looking but has a cute side to it too.

[@emilymiller7827]

it seems like it would be a lot easier to extend the blade with this than with the Scottish basket hilt, which kind of forces you into hammer grip

[@freestatefellow]

Matt, really liking these auction videos. Please keep doing this format!

[@dennislogan6781]

I used to have a customer who's last name was Schiavone. I informed her of the Schiavona sword and she said she was aware of Italian ancestry but had never heard of the sword.

[@joshuawalker301]

God bless Matt, you always deliver so much knowledge, thank you.

[@barbaricvm0]

Glad you finally made a video on one of these, it's a really underrated sword (or well-basket/hilt) type. I saw a couple of these in a few museums here in the Balkans, mostly older types though, with the rectangle pommel.

[@artawhirler]

Very interesting video! Thanks, Matt!

[@vensheaalara]

One of my favorite designs. So intricate.

[@JForrestFisher--76]

The thumb ring was new to me, but I found your video on it - good to know. It brings up something Ive wondered about, I handled a largish coffee pot that had a small tab on the back of the handle so one's thumb could hook over it to help lift its weight, and wondered if such a feature could be beneficial to improve control of a sword?

[@souppiyas6987]

This is a great history video. Would like to see more like this. Thank you.

[@titanscerw]

Awesome! Matt and after several years he again touches on Schiavona and Schiavonesca! 'Tis a glorious day indeed! I was wondering since yesterday when I saw those Italian beauties on the wall behind you. South Central European Continental Baskehilts strong! Also wondering if the South German/Bohemian Continental Baskehilts will finally get some thorough Scholagladiatoria treatment? Thank you for all your work Matt! +][+

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes they will, in a few days. So many good swords in this sale - I could have probably filled a whole second day of filming, but I only had one day to shoot unfortunately.

[@terhazza]

So is that older sword there 'schiavonesca', or is it wholly unrelated sword type, just coincidentally similar named?

[@brucemagee3199]

Thanks for bringing that to us very informative.

[@peteknaggs2036]

My most favourite sword, i was waiting for this video for a long time.

[@TheDjester13]

Ooh thank you!! I love this sword and watching you speak of it is awesome!! Day made.😊

[@jarjars3261]

The more I think about it, Matt has truly become the Ian McCollum of swords.

[@clayweaver2066]

A fantastic and informative video! I love me a good Type 1 Schiavona when the thumb ring is comfortable. I have always thought the basket bars on a Type 1 resemble skeletal fingers wrapping around the hilt.

[@mrwoo1]

I like the auction visits. It's like a British forgotten weapons but for bladed articles instead of firearms.

[@onogrirwin]

These are some beautiful swords.

[@williamstokes4282]

I first came across the term Schiavona in a video game... were it was the name of a spear. I have been frustrated by this detail every time I remember it since I learned what a Schiavona actually was.

[@cyrylkowalczyk9392]

I also discovered it thanks to a game - it was some old Pirates of Caribbean title. It was accurate there and was best sword available.

[@LuxisAlukard]

2:12 More videos about those early swords, please! Why that cross guard, why such broad point of a blade, some history behind it... Cheers!

[@mjlamey1066]

I'd love to see you do a video on the different blades on schiavona. I've always seen quite a variation. It would be interesting to explore the spectrum of blades and their contexts.

[@KalteGeist]

Matt... "That cat from the MEME." is the least specific way to be specific ever devised in the English language.

[@ramibairi5562]

Great sword ! Wondering such a perfect design did not catch on ?

[@thekaxmax]

Circumstances and history

[@neutronalchemist3241]

It catched on. As said, those were the closest to mass production a sword could be in 16th to 18th century. Venice exported them by the tens of thousands/year. They are one of the most common kind of sword you can find of their period of production. Scottish basket-hilt (that often had Venetian made blades) are more present in English-speaking imaginary but, as for production, much more schiavona had been made.

[@stefthorman8548]

because complex hilts aren't for armored use, most miliarys have gaunlets or thick gloves, in order for this to be practical, you can't wear thick gloves or gauntlets, which means no winter use, and you can't use an polearm. although i like the thumb loop.

[@wesguemmer4181]

Thanks for the history these types have interest me

[@williamfawkes8379]

Can't really argue with venetian craftsman. They certainly did make wonderful toys.

[@Rozsomakk1]

My two best favorit sword type, the schiavona, and the rapier ( the seord, and not the dagger ) ( And the from sabre the cossack shashka )

[@nathanielworks]

Incredible video Matt. Not sure if you happened to film with the crab hilted sword behind you while you were at Olympia, but if not maybe you could do a video on that type of sword sometime. I've always been curious what the function of the double quillons would be and why they seem to be very particular to Italy. Object IX.165 at the Royal Armories is one I have always drooled over.

[@deadhorse1391]

Another great video

[@polymathart]

Matt, will you cover the third sword from the left? It looks like a straight saber with a very long blade. Edit: sorry, I meant third to the left

[@arc0006]

Love the look of those scabbards.

[@fielgch4256]

Thank you for this video. I own a very nice reproduction schiavona by Nicholas Cochiolo and Ugo Serrano, and it’s nice to hear more about the history of their design.

[@michaelsnyder3871]

The schiavona was the ancestor of the pallasch and most straight heavy cavalry swords, and the Scottish broadsword.

[@guywholikesheelies3231]

If I knew ahead of time I would have for sure gone for one of those.

[@evanmorris1178]

It’s tomorrow. Try not to outbid me.

[@FiliiMartis]

My favourite type of sword, finally! 👍

[@alafosca5724]

The MattEastonScholagladiatoria Royal Armouries show treatment has been so good that I fear how much we'll be missing it whenever it stops 😢

[@solverinus2]

Great insight and explanation, thanks a lot. Now, when will you spar the schiavona against the jatagan?

[@JezerBhell]

Love that sword, but I never saw one for lefties. I'm curious if they exist at all.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

If you are taking nominations for your Royal Armouries Project I would second the Schiavona but more than that I would LOVE to get my hands on a replica of the CJM sword you reviewed two years ago in your piece called Best Sword Design Ever Made? Maybe BUT...... . The CJM sword had the same design as the 1788 heavy cavalry sword but with a shorter blade and less weight. I would save hard to get my hands on the CJM. Please? Pretty please? With sugar on top? Thanks for doing what you do and being who you are. Cheers!

[@carlettoburacco9235]

To paraphrase a famous line from a movie especially valid for that historical period: “Never go in against an Italian when death is on the line" It was a matter of habit: England and France had "Hundred Years' War", the Italians had 1000 years of wars and invasions from........ everyone else in Europe.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video

[@davidribeiro1064]

My favourite sword type since I found out about them back in 2000.

[@FiliiMartis]

The one with quillons, it looks to me to be a particular choice, to use in a style of a rapier. I don't think that's an early piece to support the idea that they had quillons before giving them up. There are early basket hilts sideswords that look a bit like a Schiavona, but this example is not it. Most early Schiavonas (identified by a basic square pommels) are in the Type 1 style (like 5:40), which then evolves to the style of Type 2, then Type 2a (like 9:40) and after to Type 2b (like 18:00). The fact that we find blades over 95cm, thumb ring, and no ability to finder the guard, makes this a cavalry pallash. The Austrian influence in the later period cannot be ignored either, especially for the style of the scabbard (or it could be a common evolution for horse use). Later examples, with decorated hilts and rapier blades, sometimes don't have the thumb ring, so they have a clear different use behind them. The back-sword blades may be more infantry oriented, since we see them a bit shorter, but I did saw one with a 98cm long blade more in the style of a British 1788 heavy cavalry sword type (but thinner and more flexible). So what I'm saying is that a Schiavona is a basket style that covers a broad range of infantry and cavalry swords when defined by use, or even civilian in the last part of the republic when Venice was not a power any longer. Last, I somewhat remember reading that someone in the period mentioned that he takes his rapier when he goes out into town, but he takes the Schiavona when he goes to battle.

[@jellekastelein7316]

Hooray, the number one sword on my collector's wish list*! I've been after a real schiavona for years now but it's always been just out of reach for my sword budget. Some day! (* Assuming that medieval arming swords and long swords will probably be forever out of my price range - and comfort zone, given the number of forgeries.)

[@Bond_alexander]

I’d love to see you do a similar deep dive into the Swiss basket hilt sabers.

[@jellekastelein7316]

The older type of basket always reminds me of some sort of skeletal claw wrapping around the hand to protect it.

[@JayTeeGR]

Look at my swoooord, my sword is amazing. 😜🦄⚔

[@monokheros5373]

one might guess that the Chape on the scabbard was for the Sailors when they were riding on horses from the docks to say places like Mira , Dogaletto , Olma

[@bengaming3649]

Those are beautiful basket hilt swords. Makes me really wish the reproduction market was more robust.

[@HobieH3]

Gorgeous.

[@CurriedBat]

I'd buy one. It's tomorrow!? That's dope.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

I've heard of these but never seen one before, they're really cool, I just love the basket hilt and swept hilt look on swords and I'm not sure why. 👍👍 edit: I would love a modern reproduction of one of these but I'm still holding out hope you'll talk to your connections and get some reproductions of that giant Spanish Rapier you showed us several months back at an auction, bc that thing was awesome and it would be perfect size for me. Please Matt make it happen. 🙏🙏😂

[@SmilingBoaSnake-lx8pc]

I herd Scandinavian basket hilt. That is something I have never seen. Very interesting

[@censoredterminalautism4073]

A lot of schiavonas make me go "I can't decide whether this looks awesome or hideous". Very practical, though, and some look nice.

[@Maedhros0Bajar]

someone in my HEMA club has a HEMA rated version of one. It's a fun blade to spar against (granted, it is a tad difficult to do so with my Langmesser, which has way less hand protection and reach, but still fun)

[@daemonharper3928]

Very nice swords

[@michaelking8483]

Could you discuss the pros and cons of Scottish baskets vs Schiavona baskets. the big difference in my view being that a Schiavona allows a handshake grip, but a Scottish one doesn't and confines to a hammer grip.

[@raphlvlogs271]

that type of scabbard end is what I call a megachap

[@cmur078]

The medieval schiavona looks a lot like 16th century Irish swords. Not the pommel, which was a pretty key part of their design, but the crossguard is similar visually, and the S curve is a more exaggerated version of some of the examples we have.

[@EdwardCooler-py6mu]

Watching the video now. All I can say is: ME WANT!!!

[@patwilson2546]

My favorite sword

[@densonsmith2]

A little too small for your hand means it would be a great Christmas present for Lucy.

[@FoolOfAMan]

I apologize I have no further questions on Schiavonas but I have many questions on that beast of a sword that's the third one in from the left. It looks like a Hungarian saber hilt with a longsword blade!

[@mtgAzim]

The sword behind you, third in from the left caught my eye. It's so long and slender but clearly has a single handed grip and looks like just a cross guard. Did you happen to do a video on that while you were there?

[@brianhowe201]

Im guessing an estoc, calvalry style. Basically to use as a backup lance.

[@draganmestrovic]

My ancestors used the Schiavona as venitian Guards -- Merceneriies.The only part of it which survived was the basket. But it seems to be vanished in the past forty years since i saw it. Maybe Somebody throw it away, sadly.

[@000Monkeylord]

There is that two handed sword used to cut wood (very effective) it’s like a Conan sword 🗡️ would be fun to test that against armour

[@beachmaster3486]

There are pros and cons whehter to have crossguards or not, aren't there? What would you who are familiar with multiple swords say are the pros and cons, and what do you personally prefer? Thanks

[@rikospostmodernlife]

Is that "you" a "y'all" or a "you" directed at Matt?