Sassanian swords

Jim McDougall · 23rd June 2010, 07:32 AM

This illustration is of one of the best known examples of these Sassanian straight swords, and I believe is considered Dailamite of 6th-7th c. These were elite infantry of regions of northern Iran. The scabbard is in a 'feathered' motif associated with the varanga, one the mythical Iranian birds such as the Simorgh, very griffin like.

It is my understanding that blades of these swords that have been found are in too compromised condition to determine dynamics of use, but the type of grips seen on them seem to suggest single edged blades. The pistol type grip with indentations for index finger, another larger for remaining fingers and downward angle for more forceful strike suggest this type use.

While these swords are thought to have developed from Parthian predecessors, the earlier straight blade swords of China certainly must be considered in influence as well.

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23rd June 2010, 07:32 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	This illustration is of one of the best known examples of these Sassanian straight swords, and I believe is considered Dailamite of 6th-7th c. These were elite infantry of regions of northern Iran. The scabbard is in a 'feathered' motif associated with the varanga, one the mythical Iranian birds such as the Simorgh, very griffin like. It is my understanding that blades of these swords that have been found are in too compromised condition to determine dynamics of use, but the type of grips seen on them seem to suggest single edged blades. The pistol type grip with indentations for index finger, another larger for remaining fingers and downward angle for more forceful strike suggest this type use. While these swords are thought to have developed from Parthian predecessors, the earlier straight blade swords of China certainly must be considered in influence as well.