Untill when a storta was used?

eftihis · 28th January 2024, 10:59 PM

This is a storta from the 16th century. My question is, untill when a sword like that would be used? For example when Venetian forces conquered the island Lefkada in Greece in 1684, would some of their fighters still use this type of sword? And what happened with swords as they became "old models" at that time?

Jim McDougall · 30th January 2024, 03:57 PM

Fascinating example AND question!
The Italian storta, like so many Italian edged weapons, was pretty much a prototype for many other forms. In the colonial and trade spheres Italian arms and armor were a driving influence in both ethnographic and European spheres. For example the hilt on this storta of late 16th century was also very close to the contemporary evolution of the 'schiavona' (note pommel form).

Anthony North in 1975 pointed out this notable diffusion in hilt style in his "An Italian Sword of the Late Sixteenth Century" with virtually identical guard system, in which the features resemble North African 'nimcha' as well as the Sinhalese kastane in the east.

Having noted that in form, the elements of swords in a certain place or era typically influenced evolving types both in blade and hilt. So it would be hard to say exactly how long this form in its rudimentary status remained in use specifically as it was the basis for so many types.

As far as how long would a specific sword like this remain in use.....one could philosophize pretty much indefinitely on the possibilities. By analogy, the Spaniards held true to the use of their famed cup hilt rapiers for virtually not only generations but well over a century after the small sword had taken over.

Most swords either remained on hand as ersatz arms pretty much indefinitely in certain remote and rural settings, especially in colonial environments, and of course their blades ended up remounted in locally favored hilts.

Im afraid not much of an answer to a complex question, but wanted to offer what I could and say a sword like this example, left in its in situ status, is historically wonderful and exciting. Thank you for sharing it!

eftihis · 30th January 2024, 04:11 PM

Thank you Jim for your input.

28th January 2024, 10:59 PM	#1
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Untill when a storta was used? This is a storta from the 16th century. My question is, untill when a sword like that would be used? For example when Venetian forces conquered the island Lefkada in Greece in 1684, would some of their fighters still use this type of sword? And what happened with swords as they became "old models" at that time? Attached Images

30th January 2024, 03:57 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,943	Fascinating example AND question! The Italian storta, like so many Italian edged weapons, was pretty much a prototype for many other forms. In the colonial and trade spheres Italian arms and armor were a driving influence in both ethnographic and European spheres. For example the hilt on this storta of late 16th century was also very close to the contemporary evolution of the 'schiavona' (note pommel form). Anthony North in 1975 pointed out this notable diffusion in hilt style in his "An Italian Sword of the Late Sixteenth Century" with virtually identical guard system, in which the features resemble North African 'nimcha' as well as the Sinhalese kastane in the east. Having noted that in form, the elements of swords in a certain place or era typically influenced evolving types both in blade and hilt. So it would be hard to say exactly how long this form in its rudimentary status remained in use specifically as it was the basis for so many types. As far as how long would a specific sword like this remain in use.....one could philosophize pretty much indefinitely on the possibilities. By analogy, the Spaniards held true to the use of their famed cup hilt rapiers for virtually not only generations but well over a century after the small sword had taken over. Most swords either remained on hand as ersatz arms pretty much indefinitely in certain remote and rural settings, especially in colonial environments, and of course their blades ended up remounted in locally favored hilts. Im afraid not much of an answer to a complex question, but wanted to offer what I could and say a sword like this example, left in its in situ status, is historically wonderful and exciting. Thank you for sharing it!

30th January 2024, 04:11 PM	#3
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Thank you Jim for your input.