SCHIAVONA FOR COMMENTS

[fernando]

I would certainly like so much to receive members comments on this one; mainly origin and age ... apart from whatever you feel like remarking about it.
Single edged blade with one fuller, length 89 cms (35"). Grip keeping its (original) leather grip.

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[fernando]

more pictures


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[Multumesc]

Very beautiful sword. Schiavone of Venetian 17th-century .

[Jim McDougall]

This is a remarkable example of the Venetian 'schiavona' swords which indeed appears of 17th century. These infantry swords are commonly associated with the bodyguards of the Doge of Venice, as well as in many cases use by the 'Consiglio deo Dieci' (Council of Ten) with these marked with the 'CX'. The 'gitterkorb' (=trellis hilt, Seifert, 1966) conforms to examples similar of this period, and the brass shield type pommel (often termed 'katzenkopfknauf' =cats head) is unusual in having a human face in place of the usual central boss.

While these 'schiavona' type swords are typically associated with Venice, which indeed was the central location most were used, they found use further in a number of other European situations. The swords themselves are believed to have developed probably from Hungarian or other mid European swords, with the development of the basket guard heavily influenced by contemporary Italian designs. There are however other mid European hilts c.1600 with similar trellis type guards. These swords are believed to have developed through Dalmatia, and into Venice, where the basket hilts developed by around mid 17th century perhaps earlier.

Interestingly there are references to the term 'spada schiavonescha' as early as 1391, but of course the exact form of the sword being described is unknown. The term 'schiavona' is describing the Dalmatian associations with the swords used by the men serving with the forces of Venice, and the Castello District of Venice was long populated by people from Dalmatia.

For those desiring further references on these fascinating swords, one of the most outstanding articles showing thier development is by Nathan Robinson, "The Schiavona and its Influences" online on 'My Armoury'.
Also:
"Cut and Thrust Weapons", E. Wagner, Prague, 1967
"A Schiavona Rapier" Claude Blair, JAAS, Vol.V, #12, Dec 1967, p.453-54
"Blankwaffen Schiavona" Gerhard Seifert, 'Duetsches Waffenjournal", Vol.2, #12, Dec. 1966, pp.42-47
"The Rapier and Smallsword 1400-1820" A.V.B. Norman, 1980, p.65

Thank you for sharing this Fernando!!! a great inspiration to excavate all these notes!

All the best,
Jim

[Matchlock]

Hi 'Nando,

My friend says that this is a truly Portuguese (!) schiavona of quite late type, ca. 1730, so congratulations! Sadly, its state of conservation has obviously suffered from the sea climate.

Best,
Michl

[cornelistromp]

additional notes on previous posts.

a simple memory bridge on schiavona Hilts;

early schiavona Hilts have seperate loose bars overlapping (mid17thC), hereinafter schiavona hilts came with adjacent or fixed bars and a single mouse stairs (late 17thC) such as Fernando's sword, from 1700-1750 double stairs and after 1750 multiple mouse stairs.

best,