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#1 | |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,294
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Interesting note Wayne, and well placed. We have had some interesting concurrent discussions on other threads concerning a breast plate which seemed unusually small; a katar whose hilt seemed too small for the hand of an average person; and I brought up armor said to be of Joan of Arc, but thought to be too small. Clearly 'size does matter', and the examination of both seemingly unusual sizes both too small, or notably large, are of interest.. The occasional note of dwarves has come up in some of these discussions, and while this anomaly as we regard it today, may not have been prevalent (or at least notable) in earlier times. As has been noted, the smaller average stature of humans was the case at large, so perhaps figures even in the range of what we consider today 'dwarves', may not have been deemed 'unusual' enough for special notice. I thought of mentioning Attila the Hun, who has often been noted as having been a dwarf, but am not confident in the popular culture notions which reign in lore. Actually there seems to be little accord in the material concerning the Huns or Attila himself, but there are many references which call them, and him of course, as small in stature. It does appear that general discussion on these aspects of arms and armor must be observed on the merits of each individual item, in which of course we can only speculate on its details. As Wayne notes, it does seem feasible that arms or armor may have been specifically made for such persons. I did note however, that most authorities consider that the Huns did not have ability or materials for forging or making weapons, therefore they must have relied on captured or otherwise obtained weaponry. If they were in any way unusually small in stature, this would seem to have presented a problem. Last edited by Jim McDougall; 27th May 2019 at 08:16 PM. |
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#2 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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Jim, do i see you determined to 'merge' topics discussed in different chambers, small breastplates, slim handle katars and all, and bring them to the table to keep the clock ticking
![]() The notion that armour was made under measure for atypically sized persons is a theme already approached; even with the mentioning of care to build them with proportional consistence, according to their purpose and user's physical capacities. But i see that i am following the same path, i.e. keep 'raining in the wet'. In a different note, Attila not having been a notably tall man is more due to his Eastern origins than to dwarfism;those pejorative epithets attributed by his angry Western adversaries (victims). Dare i also put it that the Huns, not being able to produce armour, was not a particular handicap; even the Romans had to have them produced in places with such vocation ... notwithstanding armour was then a somehow incipient device, compared to the complexity of the setups we have been discussing as of late. Just further to say that, in case anyone wishes to commission an armour apparatus, here is the system to take your measurements. Ah, and don't forget to wear padded clothes when you take them; makes a hell of a difference ![]() ![]() . |
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#3 | |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,294
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However I must apologize for mentioning the other 'size oriented' weapon topics from other 'chambers' which were mentioned by Ariel in his post #11, and had not realized these were not relevant here as they had already been discussed elsewhere, as you point out. I do appreciate your indulgence in adding your your comments on the observations I added on Attila etc. and do hope my deviation from the possible physiological aspects which may have bearing on 'larger' weaponry by mentioning the converse GH issue of dwarfism does not cause further disruption here. Gratefully Alex has added a perfectly placed example of another very large Khyber (thank you Alex!) which places Ariel's thesis back on track ![]() |
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#4 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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However, while gigantism of navajas is focused in exhibitionism or, in the best, the making of large examples to hang in sales stands (in the old days, they say) these large Khyber sabers appear to have been made for the real deal.
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#5 | |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,224
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![]() Love the Navaja! He needs a bigger window! |
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#6 | |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,294
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Sometimes a Bowie can LOOK pretty big if you're facing a big Texan holding one! All point of view. |
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