Strange blade on italian(?) old sword / B V mark

cornelistromp · 24th June 2020, 07:42 AM

The hilt is that of an Italian storta, probably Venice from around 1580.
The wide blade reminds me of a beautiful short riding sword that I once had in my collection. still don't really know why I sold it.
this blade originally came from an Oakeshott Type XVIIIC from the first quarter of the 16th century. this type was known only from Alexandria arsenal swords and was unknown outside this group.
It had similar Italian p/cross marks but was cut down in length.
The geometry is exceptionally suitable for cutting strokes. the blade is flat diamond shaped but has a very low medial ridge, creating a wedge shape. so mass through the width, rigidity through the ridge creates the perfect slashing weapon.
Clive Thomas has written beautiful publications about this type XVIIIC of swords, I have had interesting discussions with him about this very efficient geometry.
So your blade may have been reused from a damaged medieval sword or it may have been developed in the 16th century, in any case it is a very interesting storta.

attached riding sword and the famous type XVIIIC Harriet Dean sword, sold for the absolute record of GBP386.500 !!!! @ Christies

best,
Jasper

francantolin · 24th June 2020, 07:13 PM

Hello Jasper,

Thank's a lot,
really interesting,

all the story about these old sword are amazing and fascinating,
the ''Christies's one'' must have been bought by the MET,
craaazy prices !!!!

Kind regards

francantolin · 27th June 2020, 03:22 PM

Hello,

I wanted to buy a book from Ewart Oakeshott for see the different types of swords, classifications but there is a lot of differents books,

is Records of the medieval swords the best one ?

Kind regards

cornelistromp · 28th June 2020, 11:34 AM

yes it is.
Before this publication, medieval swords were seen as heavy simple clumsy weapons, made without any substantiation.
Oakeshott made the connection between the degree of armor in a certain period and the property of a sword.
for example in warm areas where light protection is worn, you will benefit more from a swift sword that can cut strokes instead of a stabbing weapon.
the type XVIIIC is such a sword.

best,

24th June 2020, 07:42 AM	#1
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,063	The hilt is that of an Italian storta, probably Venice from around 1580. The wide blade reminds me of a beautiful short riding sword that I once had in my collection. still don't really know why I sold it. this blade originally came from an Oakeshott Type XVIIIC from the first quarter of the 16th century. this type was known only from Alexandria arsenal swords and was unknown outside this group. It had similar Italian p/cross marks but was cut down in length. The geometry is exceptionally suitable for cutting strokes. the blade is flat diamond shaped but has a very low medial ridge, creating a wedge shape. so mass through the width, rigidity through the ridge creates the perfect slashing weapon. Clive Thomas has written beautiful publications about this type XVIIIC of swords, I have had interesting discussions with him about this very efficient geometry. So your blade may have been reused from a damaged medieval sword or it may have been developed in the 16th century, in any case it is a very interesting storta. attached riding sword and the famous type XVIIIC Harriet Dean sword, sold for the absolute record of GBP386.500 !!!! @ Christies best, Jasper Attached Images Last edited by cornelistromp; 25th June 2020 at 06:40 AM.

24th June 2020, 07:13 PM	#2
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 911	Hello Jasper, Thank's a lot, really interesting, all the story about these old sword are amazing and fascinating, the ''Christies's one'' must have been bought by the MET, craaazy prices !!!! Kind regards Attached Images

27th June 2020, 03:22 PM	#3
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 911	Hello, I wanted to buy a book from Ewart Oakeshott for see the different types of swords, classifications but there is a lot of differents books, is Records of the medieval swords the best one ? Kind regards

28th June 2020, 11:34 AM	#4
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,063	yes it is. Before this publication, medieval swords were seen as heavy simple clumsy weapons, made without any substantiation. Oakeshott made the connection between the degree of armor in a certain period and the property of a sword. for example in warm areas where light protection is worn, you will benefit more from a swift sword that can cut strokes instead of a stabbing weapon. the type XVIIIC is such a sword. best,