Terminology of Polish-Lithuanian arms

[awdaniec666]

Terminology of Polish-Lithuanian arms

After a recent annoying discussion in a well-known facebook forum (yes, I see my mistake...) about trying to explain to someone that a Polish-Hungarian type sabre is not the same as a Karabela, I decided to record the terminology of weapons from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth here in all its facets from the literature, the way I got to know it.

In each case the picture of a weapon type is shown which is representative of possible alterations and the common names are given. I try as best I can to show an original example of each type, but if it makes didactic sense, a replica may also be used. This will then be clarified.

Please note that the terminology only really took off at the end of the 19th century and that the terms were used synonymously before then. In the 17th century, for example, there were "curved sabres", "curved pallasches", "straight sabres", "swords" (could be anything from rapiers to dussacks) and so on and so forth.

Let's start with Karabelas, after all, that's where the muck grew.

[awdaniec666]

Karabela

Synonyms: Szabla orla (Eagle´s sabre), Szabla z rękojeścią karabelowatą (Karabela-hilted sabre), Szabla z otwartą rękojeścią (open-hilted sabre; imprecise)

Note: The term used to describe any highly decorated sabre or pallash. Furthermore, there are two types according to today's understanding: the combat Karabela and the Karabela kontuszowa (dress version).

[awdaniec666]

Szabla polsko-węgierska (Polish-Hungarian sabre)

Synonyms: Szabla węgierska, Węgierka, Batorówka (wrong)

[awdaniec666]

Ordynka

Synonyms: Ormianka (debatable), Smyczek, Szabla tatarska, Czeczuga (Special feature here: distinctive blade, see picture)

[awdaniec666]

Szabla husarska

Synonyms: Szabla czarna (debatable), Pałasz husarski, Szabla z zamkniętym kabłąkiem

[awdaniec666]

L-ka

Synonyms: Szabla czarna (debatable), Pałasz husarski, Szabla z półotwartym kabłąkiem, Szabla husarska

[awdaniec666]

Corrected and now invalid post!

[awdaniec666]

Kościuszkówka

[awdaniec666]

Hi Jacenty. This is a Polish-Hungarian sabre. The Hungarians like to call it just "Hungarian". This is depicted in the third of forth post here - please keep in mind the depicted specimen are just examples and there are many variations. Sabres of this type have few things in common: Almond pommel, more or less straigh or slighty forwand bend grip, long cross guard and (typically) Styrian/Genoese/Hungarian curved blades.

Originally Posted by awdaniec666

Szabla polsko-węgierska (Polish-Hungarian sabre)

Synonyms: Szabla węgierska, Węgierka, Batorówka (wrong)