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Old 10th June 2021, 11:18 PM   #2
Jim McDougall
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Excellent topic!
Deriving from the discussion of the 'colichmarde' blade, which in generally held tradition was named for the Count von Konigsmark of Sweden. This soldier of fortune had come to London in 1661, and involved in a scandalous duel , which enlarged his reputation as a renowned duelist. While it cannot be proved that he 'invented' the blade, the term for this form is believed a French corruption of Konigsmark, and somehow regarded as named for him.

As Keith has noted, these type blades, while notably popular, do not seem to have been as prevalent as presumed, possibly because they were a bit more difficult to produce(?) or simply that the majority of smallswords were simply dress accoutrements and 'dueling' features were not necessary.

While obviously not a discussion of a specific weapon, the duel was indeed a specific use of swords, many of which had design features intended to facilitate that purpose. Despite firearms taking precedence in combat, even in later times, matters of honor were often settled with the blade, naturally a choice of weapons was given, but the sword still had its high standard so was often selected.
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