Early Rapier or Sidesword

[@ladyymir1478]

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

[@markkodryk829]

That sword is beautiful.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@speakupriseup4549]

The diamond pattern on the grip is very appealing

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@robinmarks4771]

Absolutely exquisite piece.

[@patrickkelly1070]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Burnishedsilver]

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

[@adamtennant4936]

What a gorgeous sword!

[@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.

[@PalleRasmussen]

Another beautiful blade.

[@Redeye308350]

Beautiful! Please inspire Windlass to add that to their reproductions

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

The pommel makes me think of a pinecone.

[@maikerusazarando857]

The audio on this one was pretty good

[@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?

[@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.

[@martinhg98]

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

[@benway23]

Thank you for your work.

[@willinnewhaven3285]

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

[@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.

[@metal--babble346]

the length is incredible. Extra pokey

[@ThomasAndersonPhD]

Beautiful!

[@raphlvlogs271]

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

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes, pretty much.

[@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.

[@strategicbushcraft6391]

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

[@DawnLenn]

Beautiful sword! 😍

[@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

[@lanceriggs534]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@CRIS.V1891]

Very beautiful sword ! 🤤👏

[@samuelferrell9257]

A side rapier sword. Beautiful

[@SuperThodin]

Beautiful sword.

[@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.

[@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".

[@rembrandtshadows]

Is there a modern replica of this blade?

[@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.

[@alfonzo9152]

Lovely, what is the ricasso thickness?

[@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

[@-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 ⚔️

[@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

[@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?

[@bobrobinson1576]

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

[@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.

[@astralshore]

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

[@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.

[@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 🐸

[@robbikebob]

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

[@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 ...

[@QuentinStephens]

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

[@scholagladiatoria]

Just a video maker and antique collector

[@RMATFL]

Which will win, spadroon vs transitional rapier?

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

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

[@salvadorsempere1701]

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

[@stephens2241]

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

[@deedoublejay]

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

[@rorymonkey]

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

[@HobieH3]

Sweet!

[@marksteven6116]

very nice hope they dont ban them

[@sky4eyes]

so did you buy anything

[@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.

[@nicholasr82]

How much would that go for?

[@BuffordEvans]

What would it take ?

[@bencoomer2000]

The missing link!!!

[@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?

[@somerando1073]

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

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Munich Town Guard Sword?

[@edi9892]

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

[@albireotheredguard1599]

Good Lord did I read that title wrong!

[@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. ;)

[@retohaner5328]

Can't beat the rapier allegations

[@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.

[@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

[@brassbandmission1643]

Rapiers are cool!

[@EddieWhitmon]

Scholly!

[@stephend50]

Stabby Boi

[@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

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Distal taper?? Ohhhhhhhhhh

[@machfront]

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

[@Cobalt-60]

Spada da Lato. 😁

[@basp-ef7jx]

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

[@Greenmahn333]

👍