Broadsword history. Broadsword: history of origin as a link in the chain of development of medieval swords
And I fenced well, especially with a Scottish broadsword
Poet Lord Byron
Among the great variety of European bladed weapons, the broadsword occupies a special place. He can be called a real long-liver. Having appeared at the beginning of the 16th century, the broadsword continued to be used until the First World War, while the period of greatest popularity of this weapon is traditionally considered to be the 19th century - the era of dashing hussars and gallant cuirassiers. Broadswords are still used as ceremonial weapons, for example, they are armed with officers of the Scottish regiments of the British army. In the Soviet Union, until 1975, the so-called cadet broadsword existed as an official piece of equipment, which Navy cadets were required to wear outside the walls of their educational institutions.
The most known species This weapon is the Highland or Scottish broadsword - also known as the Scottish basket sword - glorified in the works of Byron and Walter Scott.
It is likely that last time in real combat, the Scottish broadsword was used in December 1941. During Operation Archery, British Army Lieutenant Colonel John Churchill (nicknamed “Mad Jack”) went on the attack with this weapon. This officer liked to repeat that “an officer who goes into battle without a sword is armed incorrectly.” Churchill was generally a big fan of historical weapons. Judging by the facts of his biography, he always carried his officer’s broadsword with him, and during the fighting in northern France in 1940, he managed to shoot a German sergeant major with a large English bow...
Now we should define the subject of our story. A broadsword is a type of bladed bladed weapon, a cutting-stabbing type, with a straight and long blade, the dimensions of which reached 100 cm. The broadsword could have a double-sided sharpening, but usually it was one-sided or one-and-a-half. The cross-section of the broadsword blade is rhombic or lenticular; as a rule, it has no fullers. Another feature of this weapon is the massive and developed guard, which could include a shield, protective arches, a cup or a basket. The broadsword differed from the sword in its heavier and more massive blade.
The handle of cavalry broadswords often had a bend towards the blade. This made it possible to deliver more powerful chopping (almost saber) blows.
Throughout its history, the broadsword was mainly a weapon of the horseman, although, of course, it could also be used in infantry combat. The widespread use of the broadsword is associated with the emergence of large regular cavalry, as well as the gradual abandonment of massive heavy armor. This weapon also found its use in the navy - back in the 16th century, the so-called boarding broadsword appeared, which was in service almost until the end of the 19th century.
Early history of the broadsword: Mongolia, Caucasus and India
The era of the birth of the broadsword is traditionally considered to be the end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th century. However, weapons resembling it in all respects existed among the nomadic Turkic peoples back in the middle of the 6th century, except that they could not “boast” a complex and elaborate guard.
Specialized swords for slashing with a long straight single-edged blade were generally popular in the East. In mounted combat, they had an advantage over ordinary swords, since they weighed less. And this weapon was cheaper because it was easier to manufacture. Eastern broadswords often had a handle with a characteristic curve. Such weapons were very popular in the Mongol-Tatar army in the 13th and 14th centuries.
If we talk about later periods, then blades, in all respects reminiscent of broadswords, were most common in the Caucasus and the Middle East. Unlike Western European broadswords, these weapons, as a rule, had weak protection for the fighter’s hand, which most often consisted of an ordinary cross.
Unique Ottoman broadsword with a flaming blade
In northeastern India, a broadsword called Kunda or Khanda was made. It had a straight single-edged blade up to 80 cm long with some expansion towards the end, often without a pronounced tip. Moreover, like the classic European broadsword, the Kunda had a hilt with developed hand protection, which consisted of a bowl and a wide arc. Such blades were often made from damask steel, and for their finishing they were used valuable species wood and precious metals. Therefore, they were not very cheap.
In the late Middle Ages in India, another type of broadsword, the Firangi, became widespread. This Indian broadsword had a one-and-a-half edge and a complex basket hilt.
Broadsword of Western Europe: heir to knightly traditions
The European broadsword - like the sword - is a descendant of the long knight's sword of the Middle Ages, a heavy and versatile weapon, suitable for both mounted and foot combat. The broadsword is the brainchild of the European Modern Age, the era of the beginning of the formation of mass professional armies on the continent. The knights, of course, were very formidable and combat-ready guys, but there were few of them. Therefore, already in the middle of the 16th century, their place began to be taken by reitars - heavily armed mercenary cavalrymen. Elitism has once again given way to mass...
The creation of massive regular armies, as well as the further improvement of firearms, leads to some simplification of the warrior’s protective equipment. A similar trend was observed in relation to the weapons of an ordinary warrior.
The original weapons of the Russian cavalry of the War of 1812 - broadsword and sabers
It is believed that the Hungarian hussars were the first to use broadswords in the second half of the 16th century. For them this weapon was an addition to the saber. Very quickly the broadsword practically replaced the sword in Western Europe.
Here you should pay attention to one important feature. Throughout its history, the broadsword was exclusively a combat weapon, intended for the terrible whirlwind of a real fight, and not for “noble” fencing. In this regard, the broadsword can be called the antipode of the Breter sword or ceremonial saber. For its time, a broadsword on a belt was a kind of sign not of a court whip, but of a seasoned “front-line soldier” who had managed to smell gunpowder. It could be seen among the Scottish Highlanders, the “ironsides” of Lord Protector Cromwell, and subsequently among the cuirassiers of the Napoleonic Wars.
The broadsword was not very suitable for virtuoso fencing, which, as a rule, has no place in a real battle. Therefore, it is absolutely no coincidence that defenses when using this weapon were often taken with the left hand - with the help of a bracer or a small shield (the highlanders used these until the 18th century). In an individual duel against a skilled fencer, a fighter with a broadsword had little chance.
Venetian schiavona in all its glory
Further evolution of the European broadsword
The evolution of the broadsword can be traced by changes in the hilt of this weapon. The broadsword guards of the 16th century already had arcs and rings that securely covered the hand, but despite this, they were still very similar to the hilts of ordinary swords that existed during this period.
Reitar broadsword with Walloon hilt
In the 17th century, the further development of the broadsword went in several directions, forming three groups, one of which can conditionally be called general, and the other two regional:
- Walloon broadsword and haudegen;
- Scottish broadsword;
- Venetian schiavona group.
Haudegen or Mortuary Sword. This strange name is associated with human head, the image of which was often applied to the hilt of this weapon. And since a significant part of these swords dates back to the English period civil war, then collectors of the 19th century believed that the royalists depicted the executed King Charles I on their weapons. Later research refuted this assumption, but the gloomy name stuck...
Received Walloon broadsword greatest distribution in the countries of central and northern Europe. This weapon has a characteristic shield, consisting of two parts, which is connected to the pommel by arches. The rear killon of the crosspiece is bent to the tip and ends with a spherical pommel. The front killon goes into a protective bow connected to the pommel.
Modern replica of Oliver Cromwell's haudegen
The haudegen hilt did not have a crosspiece at all, but it had a well-defined basket and a protective shield. Most of these broadswords have a single-edged sharpening, although one-and-a-half and double-edged examples are found.
The Venetian schiavona had a very small distribution area; initially only the Doge's Guard was armed with this broadsword. The main features of this weapon were a pommel shaped like a cat's head, as well as a guard with S-shaped arms. The fencer's hand was protected by a basket formed by oblique arches.
Schiavona with scabbard. The “cat’s head” of the pommel is clearly visible and characteristic shape arc.
Scottish broadsword, or what Rob Roy's weapon was
The Scottish broadsword is, without a doubt, the most famous representative of this group of weapons. It began to be used at the beginning of the 17th century and very soon spread throughout England and Ireland. The Scottish broadsword is often called a claymore, which is a mistake, for this is the name of the famous heavy two-handed sword Highlanders True, it should be noted that in the 17th century, claymores that were obsolete at that time were often reforged into broadswords.
Scottish broadsword in sheath
The Scottish broadsword usually had a double-edged blade, the length of the blade was 70-80 cm, and its width was about 4 cm. The basket guard of the hilt has very wide arcs that reliably cover the fighter’s hand. The guard of the Scottish broadsword is lined with thick fabric or leather, which is also a feature of this weapon.
Statutory broadsword of European armies
In the 17th century, the development and improvement of mass professional armies continued on the European continent. One of the components of this process is the unification of weapons, which is generally completed by the beginning of the 18th century. As a result, each branch of the military receives its “own” bladed weapon. So, for example, light cavalry received sabers, and broadswords were adopted for heavy cavalry.
Dragoon broadsword, late 18th century
Regular broadswords were heavy, usually single-edged weapons with a pronounced edge, well adapted for a powerful piercing blow. They were made in huge quantities, so many copies of these weapons have survived to this day. The characteristics of statutory broadswords, as a rule, were strictly regulated.
In the second half of the 19th century, the broadsword in cavalry was gradually replaced by the saber.
Broadsword in the Russian Empire
The oldest surviving copy of this weapon in our country is considered to be a broadsword that belonged to Prince Skopin-Shuisky at the beginning of the 17th century. Today it is kept in the Moscow Historical Museum. This broadsword has a straight double-edged blade 86 cm long and a hilt with a simple crosspiece, the arms of which deviate towards the tip. The handle of the weapon is curved, it forms a kind of support for the hand. The broadsword is richly decorated with gold and silver embossing, precious stones. The scabbard of the weapon is made in a similar style.
At the beginning of the 17th century, Skopin-Shuisky’s broadsword was rather a curious curiosity for Russia - today historians believe that it never saw a real battle. Really mass weapons For Russian army broadswords became available only during the reign of Peter I - only formed dragoon regiments received them. And in the 30s of the 18th century, broadswords became the main melee weapon of Russian cuirassiers. By the middle of the same century, Russian broadswords became single-edged. By the end of the 18th century, the Russian army already had army, dragoon, soldier, guards and officer broadswords in service.
Broadsword, Russia, Zlatoust, mid-19th century
At the beginning of the 19th century, the broadswords of the Russian army were unified and somewhat simplified. They remained in service with cuirassiers until 1881, after which they were used only as ceremonial weapons.
Cadet naval broadsword, model 1940
Throughout its history, the broadsword was not exclusively a land weapon; very quickly its powerful potential was seen in the navy. Already in the 16th century, the so-called boarding broadsword appeared, which was used during battles on ship decks. This weapon had a powerful blade up to 80 cm long, which could not only hit the enemy, but also cut a rope or cut through a wooden door. Distinctive feature The boarding broadsword had a massive shell-shaped guard, which, if necessary, could be used to hit the enemy in the jaw.
Over the centuries, the boarding broadsword was so popular that it is still part of the dress uniform of military sailors in several countries.
In 1856, broadswords replaced cutlasses and became the official weapon of Russian sailors. Two years later, midshipmen were also armed with them. Midshipmen and officers of the Russian fleet wore a broadsword as part of their ceremonial uniform until 1917.
In the Soviet Union, they decided to revive a similar tradition, and in 1940, the broadsword was introduced as equipment for cadets of naval schools. The naval cadet broadsword was prescribed to be worn in all cases when the cadet was outside educational institution or ship. In 1958, broadswords were reserved only for assistants at the banner, as well as unit duty officers and orderlies. They say this happened because cadet broadswords began to be increasingly used in street fights. In 1975, the broadsword as an element of equipment in the Soviet fleet was completely abolished.
The evolution of armor and tactics has led to the fact that heavy sword knightly cavalry became less effective. Gradually, the sword became shorter and narrower, this was required so that it could not break through armor, but cut and stab joints. In addition, the sword became too heavy for cutting through infantry formations in close formation; a lighter, but at the same time agile weapon was required.
This is how the cavalry broadsword appeared on the scene, a further development of the knight's sword. A heavy straight or slightly curved blade, with one-sided or one-and-a-half sharpening, about a meter long, which was convenient for operating in a closed equestrian formation. The broadsword, a weapon of heavy cavalry, appeared in the late Middle Ages and left the scene only at the beginning of the twentieth century. Moreover, these blades are still the ceremonial and ceremonial weapons of a number of states.
The birth of the broadsword and service on land
During the late Middle Ages, many types of weapons and armor evolved. Armor became more complex and stronger; bows and crossbows were replaced by muskets and arquebuses. Combat tactics also became more complex.
The attacks of the heavy armored cavalry were opposed by closed ranks of infantry armed with pikes and halberds. Appeared in the ranks firearms. Horsemen needed weapons that were lighter and more controllable than swords and pikes.
The term broadsword is associated with the Turks. It is not for nothing that it is believed that its ancestor was the konchar, a long and narrow Eastern European sword that could have come from the Caucasus. Translated "PALA" means dagger.
But it is incorrect to compare it and the scimitar - the weapon of the Turkish Janissaries. The scimitar was created as a type of knife, a response to the demands of the sultans not to carry weapons in Peaceful time.
The broadsword is a continuation of the evolution of the sword.
It is necessary to distinguish between earlier eastern blades, which were narrow swords with a simple crosshair and an inclined hilt for ease of cutting, and later Western European broadswords with a closed basket guard.
The appearance of the first examples of broadswords in Western Europe dates back to the 16th century; they appeared in the arsenal of the Hungarian hussars. Unlike the later hussars, this was armored cavalry, considered at that time the best in Europe.
Next came mercenary reiters from the German principalities, and later dragoons. Their weapons consisted of a broadsword and a pair of saddle pistols, from which they fired before attacking on horseback.
It must be taken into account that a broadsword, unlike a sword, allowed the use of not only direct chopping blows, but also more cunning feints and thrusts, in addition, the technique of fencing with a broadsword takes one hand, the second hand remained free, often it contained a daga - a dagger for the left hand or a pistol .
In addition to the Caucasus, similar blades also appeared in Britain; among the Scots, traditional claymore swords began to be replaced by a shorter and narrower sword with a crosshair and a basket covering the hand.
The Scottish broadsword was lighter than a sword, better protected the warrior’s hand due to a more developed guard, and made it possible to use a “fist” round shield, while claymores, for the most part, were two-handed weapons.
These weapons came to Russia en masse under Peter I as the weapons of dragoons and cuirassiers. As a rule, these are custom-made blades from Solingen (Germany), but a small percentage were also forged by Russian craftsmen.
At the same time, the broadsword entered service with some dragoon regiments. In pre-Petrine times, broadswords were also known in Rus' as weapons of foreign mercenary officers from regiments of the new system. However, one of the most famous examples of this type of weapon belonged to Skopin-Shuisky, the famous commander of the Time of Troubles.
In the 19th century, broadswords gradually gave way to lighter sabers, but still remained in service with heavy cavalry - cuirassier regiments and horse guards carried them as their main weapon until the start of the First World War. It was after it began that they gave way to lighter cavalry.
Naval broadsword
In addition to arming cavalry, broadswords performed well at sea. During the boarding battles for which the Renaissance was famous. It was the boarding sword that earned universal respect and became part of the ceremonial uniform of sailors in many countries.
Including Russia, the naval broadsword was part of the ceremonial uniform imperial fleet Russian Empire, and then transferred to the USSR Navy, the last mention of naval broadswords dates back to 1940, then they were the authorized weapons of cadets of naval schools.
The naval broadswords did not spare Great Britain and Germany either. It was these heavy straight blades that were part of dress uniform naval officers.
These blades take their history from the hot boarding battles of the 16th and 17th centuries; in those days, broadswords combined the functions of an ax and a saber. Convenient for use in narrow and cramped spaces of cabins and decks, they can stab and chop, the weight of the blade enhances the blow, and the blade inflicts terrible wounds.
The modern version of this weapon is the naval broadsword; the officer's broadsword originates precisely from the blood-soaked decks of ships of the late 17th century.
The boarding broadsword also had its own varieties; a blade with a shell-shaped guard was called a scallop.
What does a broadsword consist of?
This slashing weapon with a straight blade. Like other bladed weapons, a broadsword consists of a blade and a hilt. The blade has a slight bend or is absolutely straight, tapering towards the tip, and may have 1-3 lobes. Sharpening is most often on one side, but one-and-a-half and less often double-sided sharpening was also found.
The scabbard had a different type and design, from leather (with metal rings) to wood and metal.
The holding handle, as a rule, had a slightly curved shape with a developed pommel; this was done for ease of cutting. For finishing, various types of wood or metal were used, often the handle was wrapped with wire made of precious metals- silver or gold. The handle of the combat samples was simply covered with leather.
The Scottish broadsword had an interesting decoration; its crosspiece and guard were lined with red cloth.
The broadsword handle consists of the following parts:
- pommel (often called the "apple"), the final part of the handle, ending in an almond-shaped or round metal piece;
- the killon of the crosspiece of the rear part, located closest to the fighter, which is a curved metal part, usually going upward;
- directly the cross, separating the blade and the handle;
- the rings of the guard, or otherwise the cross guard, which protects the fighter’s hand, located below the cross guard, are not present on all types of these weapons;
- killon crosspiece in front.
The metal for the blade of broadswords can vary significantly. Thus, mass-produced army broadswords were made of high-quality, but ordinary steel. Often, after major battles, local peasants collected them and forged them into agricultural tools.
Individual custom-made broadswords were forged from Damascus or damask steel. Accordingly, prices for different types broadswords were strikingly different from each other.
Types of broadswords
Since this blade was distributed throughout the world, many of its modifications are known. The Scottish broadsword, already mentioned above, became famous.
It has also become widespread. By the way, in Western European literature, many researchers equate broadswords and swords.
The thin sword known to most appears later, and in early examples these types of weapons were very similar, differing slightly in the width of the blade and the handle. The guard of a cavalry sword is distinguished by two, or rarely one, shield on the guard connected to the pommel.
Walloon blades, common in the Germanic lands, are, in fact, the basis for the statutory cavalry models of a later time.
The mortuary sword, otherwise called the haudegen, became most widespread in England during the Civil War of the 17th century. The sample received its romantic name because of the frequent image on the guards of a head, which, according to a common version, belonged to Charles I, a king executed during the revolution.
However, it is often found on samples created before the execution. Among other features, there are both single-edge and double-edge sharpening of the blade, as well as the missing crosspiece, despite the fact that the basket is installed on the handle.
In Venice, the personal bodyguards of the doges, and then representatives of the nobility, met the schiavona. This type of blade in question was distinguished by the special grace of the guard.
However, it is precisely in the example of the schiavona that one can see the difference between cheap, simple and practical swords and the richly inlaid works of Italian weapon masters.
Regular broadswords, forged en masse in large arms factories in Europe, did not pamper their owners with any special beauty of finish or clearly adjusted balance.
Mass production in the industrial cities of Solingen and Klingenthal, Liege and Toledo, Birmingham and Sheffield, as well as since 1815 in Zlatoust, broadswords were stamped in the thousands.
Owners often put the samples in order, remade the handle to make it more comfortable, or ground the blade for better balance, but this was a personal matter for each fighter.
The sea blade, otherwise called a scallop or duzeggi, was excellent for boarding combat. In conditions of cramped ship passages, an abundance of wooden partitions and weapons, the heavy boarding broadsword had a huge number of fans.
The product could equally well be used to break down a door and cut through an enemy's boarding pike. Unlike more elegant sabers and swords, such blades could compete on equal terms with boarding axes. The naval officer's broadsword was part of the ceremonial uniform in many fleets.
Using Broadswords
The wide distribution of this type of blade made it possible for broadswords to participate in all battles and battles from the moment of their appearance until the 19th century. This model was most widely used in the wars of the 18th century, when cavalry attacks decided the fate of many battles.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the broadsword begins to be replaced different types sabers, but heavy cavalry - cuirassiers, horse guards and dragoons continue to successfully use straight blades.
Austerlitz, Borodino, Waterloo and other battles are famous for the murderous attacks of heavy cavalry, which crushed regiments thanks to armor and weapons. The famous Scottish broadsword should not be thrown away; it was with it that the officers of the Heindeler regiments attacked.
The development of firearms, changes in tactics and the abandonment of the mass use of bladed weapons made the broadsword an exclusively ceremonial addition to the warrior.
The exception is “Mad Jack” Churchill, the prime minister’s namesake. A British Army officer led the charge with a broadsword during the Norwegian campaign of 1940.
True, a year later he managed to shoot a German sergeant major with a bow in France. This episode was the last use of weapons that had a history of more than 500 years.
Cultural trace of the broadsword
Like other types of weapons, the hero of the article can be found on the pages of artwork. Probably the most Full description broadsword in fiction found in the pages of British writer Bernard Cornwell in his series about the adventures of Gunner Sharpe.
Main character books, throughout almost the entire series of books he carries a cavalry broadsword, a parting gift from his commander.
The Scottish broadsword is also found in many places in literature, as a symbol of faith and devotion to the Motherland.
In many artistic and documentary works, both from past centuries and today, one can find mention of this iconic weapon. Perhaps in museums around the world there will be a Russian broadsword from a cuirassier regiment, forged by an unknown master.
Video
The word broadsword itself came to us from the Turkish language, where the word pala translated as sword or dagger. IN different countries Ah Europe, the weapon that we are accustomed to identifying as a broadsword is called completely differently. In England it is broadsword- a basket sword, in Italy it is spada schiavona- Slavic sword, and in German countries in the period from the 16th to the 19th centuries, it had several names:
- During the period from the 16th to the 17th centuries. - reiterschwert- horseman's sword;
- In the XVIII - XIX centuries, depending on the type of troops in which it was used - kurassierdegen, dragonerdegen, kavalleriedegen- cuirassier sword, dragoon sword and simply cavalry sword;
Thus, we need to indicate which weapon we will consider as a broadsword, i.e. give its definition.
A broadsword is a long-bladed cutting-and-piercing weapon that has a wide two- or single-edged blade and a developed guard, most often in the shape of a wicker basket. The blade of a broadsword is much wider and heavier than that of a rapier or late sword.
Since the 17th century, broadswords with basket guards can be divided into three different groups. One of them is general, and the other two are regional groups of Venetian schiavona and Scottish broadsword. Most well-known representative general group are Walloon broadsword(Walloon sword) and deceased sword(English mortuary sword), known on the continent as haudegen - haudegen(in some sources it is defined as a combat sword).
The Walloon broadsword became widespread in the countries of central and northern Europe, and probably became the main prototype for the further development of formal cavalry bladed weapons. It can easily be distinguished from other broadswords with basket hilts by several characteristic features - the guard has a wide two-piece front shield (less often one-piece), connected to the pommel with side protective arches. The rear kylon of the crosspiece is bent down to the tip and has a spherical extension at the end. The front killon passes into the front protective bow, connected to the pommel, which in almost all Walloon broadswords has a spherical shape.
Most haudegen blades have only one blade. There is no cross at all on the hilt, and the basket is clearly visible and is equipped with a protective shield. These broadswords were especially common in England in the 17th century, during the Civil War. Many basket guards bear decorations reminiscent of the beheading of King Charles I. For this reason, later, the English howdegen was given the name “mortuary sword,” which is still used in international terminology.
Scottish broadsword
Apparently the most famous representative of the regional group is Scottish broadsword. It is also often, erroneously, called a claymore. Various versions of these weapons quickly spread throughout England and Ireland.
The history of the Scottish broadsword is inextricably linked with the military conflicts that took place in Scotland in the 18th century, between regular English troops and Scottish highland clans.
It was even less widespread geographically than the Scottish broadsword, as it was found only in Venice. Initially, the word gli schiavoni was used to refer to the swords with which the Doge's Guard was armed; later, all swords with a basket hilt in the Venetian style began to be called this.
Different examples of schiavona differ significantly from each other in the level of quality and complexity of decoration: some are very simple and functional, while others are decorated with excellent chasing and brass inlay.
Statutory forms of broadsword
At the end of the 17th century, all European armies began to develop statutory weapons, characteristic of each branch of the military. The broadsword becomes a specific weapon for heavy cavalry - cuirassiers and dragoons. By the beginning of the 19th century, the armies of different countries had several types of broadswords in service - guards cuirassier broadswords, army cuirassier broadswords, dragoon broadswords, etc. All of them, as a rule, are heavy single-edged blades, with a well-defined tip, designed for a powerful stabbing blow.
Similar broadswords were produced in mass quantities in all major European centers for the production of edged weapons. The appearance and characteristics were clearly regulated by the charter, so that a huge number of copies of such weapons have survived to this day. In view of this, when hearing the word broadsword, what comes to mind for many is the 19th century cuirassier broadsword.
By the second half of the 19th century, in all cavalry units of most countries, the broadsword was replaced by the saber, perhaps with the exception of the Life Guards, where it has been preserved to this day.
Sword
SWORD-A; m.[from Hungarian pallos] East. A bladed weapon similar to a saber, but with a straight and wide single-edged (double-edged towards the end) blade (was in service with Russian cuirassier regiments until the end of the 19th century). Chop with a broadsword.
sword(from the Hungarian pallos), a chopping and piercing edged weapon with a straight and long (about 85 cm) single-edged (double-edged at the end) blade. Appeared in the 16th century. In the XVIII-XIX centuries. in service with the Russian heavy cavalry.
SWORDBroadsword (Polish Palasz, German Pallasch, Hungarian pallos, from Turkish pala - sword (cm. SWORD), dagger (cm. DAGGER)), cutting and piercing bladed weapons (cm. STEEL ARMS) with a straight and long blade. (cm. BLADE) May have double-sided (early samples), one-sided and one-and-a-half sharpening (cm. SHARPENING). Blade length - up to 85 cm.
The appearance of the broadsword dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when regular heavy cavalry units appeared in Western Europe. An indispensable part of the equipment of the heavy cavalry were metal breastplates - cuirasses (cm. CUIRASS). Only a heavy and long blade - a broadsword - could cut the cuirasses. The difference between a broadsword and a sword (cm. SWORD) consists of a weighted blade having a large width and thickness. Hilt (cm. EPHEUS (part of weapon)) a broadsword usually consists of a handle with a head and a guard (cm. GUARD (part of the hilt))(usually including a cup and protective arms).
At the end of the 16th century, the so-called Scottish broadsword appeared in Scotland and later became widespread throughout Great Britain. A characteristic feature of the Scottish broadsword is a highly developed guard of the “basket with a large number of branches” type. The inner surface of the basket was sometimes covered with leather, and the head could be decorated with horsehair.
The broadsword, which has become widespread in the continental countries of Western Europe, is distinguished by an asymmetrical hilt with highly developed hand protection in the form of a cross or a bowl with a whole system of arches. The Western European broadsword developed from the heavy cavalry saddle sword. The first examples of the broadsword were called the Walloon sword.
In the 17th century, there was a gradual unification of broadswords in the cavalry of European armies. Uniform types of weapons were adopted, first for individual regiments, and then for each type of cavalry. First of all, cuirassiers were armed with broadswords (cm. Cuirassiers) and dragoons (cm. DRAGUNS) shelves.
The double-edged form of the blade was preserved in almost all armies until the mid-18th century, then it began to be replaced by a blade with a single blade and a blunt spine. At the beginning of the 19th century, the blades of broadswords everywhere became single-edged, remaining quite powerful and wide.
Broadswords were also common in eastern countries, primarily in the Caucasus. All eastern broadswords usually have a symmetrical hilt with weak hand protection: often it is only a crossguard with a crosshair. The most famous are Khevsur broadswords, decorated in the traditional Caucasian style.
Russian broadsword
In Russia, the handles of early broadswords were inclined, most convenient for cutting from a horse; the crosspieces were either straight or with the ends lowered to the blades. Broadsword of Prince M.V. Skopin-Shuisky (cm. SKOPIN-SHUISKY Mikhail Vasilievich) refers to the earliest surviving Russian broadswords. Its blade is straight, double-edged, smooth. The handle is inclined, the cross with the ends lowered to the blades has a crosshair. The frame of the handle is silver, gilded, chased, decorated with large turquoise; a dark garnet is inserted into the knob. Sheath (cm. SHEATH) covered with scarlet velvet, the mouth of the tip and four holders are silver, chased, decorated, as well as the frame of the handle, with turquoise. The scabbard has two silver belt rings located on one side. Oriental style frame. Total length 99 cm, blade length 86 cm, blade width at the heel 4.3 cm.
As a mass model of weapons manufactured in a factory, the broadsword established itself in Russia under Peter I (cm. PETER I the Great), when creating dragoon regiments in the first quarter of the 18th century. Broadswords were made not only in Russia, but also imported from abroad, mainly from the German city of Solingen (cm. SOLINGEN). Since the 1730s, broadswords have become the weapon of cuirassier regiments. Dragoons were armed with broadswords until 1817; for some time they were armed with horse artillery (cm. ARTILLERY) .
By the middle of the 18th century, the Russian broadsword gradually became single-edged with a butt. Under Catherine the Great (cm. CATHERINE II) the broadswords are engraved with the monogram “E II” (Catherine II) under the crown. The scabbards of Russian broadswords of that time were leather or wooden, covered with leather. The metal device was simple (mouth, nuts with rings for a sword belt, tip) or, being slotted, covered almost the entire surface of the sheath. Since 1810, the sheath of the broadsword became only metal, with the exception of the leather sheath of the naval broadsword of the 1856 model.
In the 18th century, the Russian army distinguished between army and guards, soldiers and officers, cuirassiers, dragoons and carabinieri broadswords; What they had in common was a wide, long and heavy blade, but they differed in the shape of the hilt and sheath. The handle was covered with various combinations of curved arches, grilles, guards, and at its base there was a cup, flat or curved, sometimes made of two oval plates. The heads on the handle were round, flattened, or in the form of an eagle or lion's head. The scabbard was covered with leather, mounted in wide metal holders or bound with metal with figured slots and a comb at the end. In the 19th century, hilts were simplified and unified, and metal sheaths became simpler.
By the beginning of the 19th century, the Russian army had several types of broadswords in service: guards cuirassier broadswords, army cuirassier broadswords, dragoon broadswords, with the exception of dragoons in the Caucasus, which were armed with sabers (cm. SABER (melee weapon)). Horse artillery also had special horse artillery broadswords.
The blades of Russian broadswords from the first decade of the 19th century were only single-edged. In the first third of the 19th century, various types of broadswords were unified: the dragoon model 1806, the cuirassier model 1810 and the cuirassier model 1826 that replaced it. Broadswords were in service with cuirassiers until they were reorganized into dragoons in 1882, after which broadswords remained only in some military units as a ceremonial weapon.
Naval broadsword
The naval broadsword is a type of cavalry broadsword; it is distinguished by a somewhat curved, but more often straight blade and the presence of oblique ribs on both sides at the combat end, which are a continuation of the butt and reach the tip.
The naval broadsword has been used since the 16th century as a boarding weapon. (cm. BOARDING) weapons. In Russia, naval broadswords were introduced into the navy under Peter I. Russian naval broadswords of the 19th century differ from cavalry ones in their smaller size, the shape of the blades and hilts. A large number of naval broadswords were made in Zlatoust (cm. ZLATOUST) in 1852-1856 and later.
The sailors of the guards naval crew carried naval broadswords until 1905, when they were replaced by cutlasses. As part of a naval uniform, the broadsword was worn by midshipmen until 1917 (cm. MIDSHIPMAN) Naval Corps, Naval Engineering School named after Nicholas I and individual midshipmen classes. In the USSR Navy, the wearing of broadswords by cadets of higher naval schools was introduced on January 1, 1940. Since 1958, the naval broadsword became a ceremonial weapon only for assistants at the banner.
encyclopedic Dictionary. 2009 .
Synonyms:See what “broadsword” is in other dictionaries:
- (Polish). Modification of an ancient sword. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. BROADSWORD German. Pallasch. Wide saber. Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language, with their meaning... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
A type of piercing chopping bladed weapon with a straight blade, used in boarding battles. In the pre-revolutionary period, it was worn on a waist belt by midshipmen of the Naval Corps, in individual midshipman classes and in the Naval Engineering School. From 1... ...Marine Dictionary
Sword- cutting piercing edged weapon, consisting of a straight long (about 85 cm) single-edged (double-edged at the end) blade and a hilt with a safety guard or cup. The broadsword appeared in Russia in the 16th century, in the 18th–19th centuries. and consisted of... Military encyclopedia
- (from Hungarian pallos) chopping and piercing edged weapon with a straight and long (approx. 85 cm) single-edged (double-edged at the end) blade. Appeared in the 16th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries. in service with the Russian heavy cavalry... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
Broadsword, broadsword, husband. (from Hungarian pallos). A straight and long heavy saber with a wide blade, double-edged at the end. Dictionary Ushakova. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Broadsword, ah, husband. Slashing and piercing hand weapon with a long straight blade. | adj. broadsword, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
Husband. the sword of our times, in heavy cavalry; a straight and wide saber, double-edged at the end. Broadsword master. Above the entrance of the armory there is a broadsword sun, made from broadswords. Broadsword soldier, heavy cavalry warrior: | broadsword master. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. IN AND. Dahl. 1863 1866 … Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary
Noun, number of synonyms: 3 bebut (2) sword (26) weapon (114) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin... Synonym dictionary
In those ancient times, when edged weapons reigned supreme on the battlefields, human thought, in search of new ways to destroy their own kind, created a broadsword - something between a sword and a saber. Its straight, sometimes double-edged, blade struck the enemy so effectively that for many centuries it was in the arsenals of most European and Asian states.
Artifacts from ancient graves
The earliest examples of broadswords were discovered in the burials of the Proto-Bulgarians, a people of Turkic origin who inhabited the steppes of South-Eastern Europe in the 4th and 5th centuries. Despite such a distant era, it had all the same characteristic features that it has retained to this day.
It had a straight, double-edged blade that was up to a meter long, a hilt designed to protect the hand, and a slightly curved handle. It is known that the same or very similar broadswords were used at that time by the Khazars, Avars, Alans and a number of other representatives of ancient peoples.
Broadswords in the hands of Asian warriors
Similar in design and appearance bladed weapons were widespread in the countries of Eastern and Central Asia. In the XIII-XIV centuries, the Tatar-Mongol hordes were armed with them, carrying out their bloody raids and keeping a significant part of them in obedience. ancient Rus'. Their broadswords had a one-sided sharpening, which gave the warrior a certain advantage in mounted combat due to the lighter weight of the weapon. In addition, they were easier to manufacture and, accordingly, cheaper.
Weapons of the peoples of the Caucasus
They were also widely used in the Caucasus and the Middle East. A common feature of broadswords made by eastern gunsmiths was weak hand protection. The hilt did not yet have the complex design that would be characteristic of Western European designs of a later period, and, as a rule, consisted only of a crosspiece with an arc.
Among the broadswords that the peoples of the Caucasus armed themselves with are the so-called franguli. They were common among the Khevsurs, an ethnic group that inhabited the basin of the Khevsur Aragvi River and the upper reaches of the Argun. Their handles and scabbards were bound with brass or iron plates and richly decorated with patterns in the national style. Broadswords were also widely used in Georgia. Their special feature was handles similar in appearance to those that could be seen on cavalry sabers at a later time.
Broadswords made by Indian craftsmen
The broadsword was also a very popular weapon in India. Here his design had its own characteristics, the main of which was the shape of the blade. With a length of about eighty centimeters and sharpening on one side, it was forged with some expansion towards the end, which had an oval shape. In addition, its unique feature was the powerful hilt that reliably protected the hand, consisting of two bowls connected to each other by a steel strip. This design was called kunda.
During the period dating back to the late Middle Ages, another type of broadsword, called firangi, appeared in India. Its originality lay in the blade, which had a one-and-a-half sharpening, that is, with back side sharpened to half, and a basket hilt, which had a sharp spike, which also served to defeat the enemy.
The first examples of Western European broadswords
In Western Europe, this type of weapon appeared relatively late - in XVI century, but was immediately appreciated and became widespread. In the forties, the Hungarian hussars began to use a broadsword as a complement to the traditional saber of that time.
The weapon was attached near the saddle and was used mainly for stabbing, which was very convenient thanks to the long blade. At the same time, the design of the handle, somewhat curved and reminiscent of a saber, made it possible to deliver powerful chopping blows.
At the end of the 16th century, a tangible impetus for the further spread of broadswords was the appearance in Western Europe of regular heavy cavalry units - cuirassiers. An indispensable element of their defensive weapons was a metal breastplate - a cuirass, which reliably protected against saber strikes, but was vulnerable to a heavy and long blade, which was equipped with a specially designed type of weapon, which went down in history as the cuirassier broadsword.
New product from Scottish gunsmiths
Around the same period, Scotland made its contribution to the creation of edged weapons. In it, the so-called Scottish broadsword was created and subsequently became popular throughout Great Britain. If its wide, double-edged blade was generally similar to those with which swords were equipped, then the guard, the part of the hilt that protected the warrior’s hand, was something new.
She had quite big sizes and looked like a basket with a significant number of branches. Its inner surface was trimmed with leather or red velvet. In addition, the hilt was decorated with horsehair tassels. The Scottish broadsword was usually used in conjunction with a small round shield. This combination made it possible to conduct both defensive and offensive battles.
Walloon swords
Researchers believe that the Western European broadsword is a weapon resulting from the transformation of a previously existing heavy cavalry sword, which was called a saddle sword, since it was usually attached to the saddle. In this regard, broadswords were initially called Walloon swords, after the name of the region of Belgium where this type of weapon was produced. Their characteristic feature was somewhat asymmetrical hilts, which reliably protected the warrior’s hand thanks to a bowl equipped with numerous arches and a transverse crosspiece.
New times - new trends
In the 17th century, the armies of most European states underwent a process of unification of weapons. At first, individual regiments and squadrons, and then entire types of cavalry, were brought to a single standard. From that time on, the broadsword, a weapon that had previously been used by all cavalry without exception, became part of the arsenal of only dragoon and cuirassier units.
By the middle of the 18th century, the design of the blade changed. The double-edged blade was replaced by a blade sharpened only on one side and having a blunt edge. Only its shape and size remained the same, at which it remained a fairly powerful and heavy weapon.
Boarding party weapons
For three centuries, from the 16th to the 19th centuries, the broadsword was used not only on land, but also at sea. It was an integral part of the weapons of the boarding teams - those dashing thugs who, having dragged the side of the enemy ship with steel hooks, rushed into hand-to-hand combat. The boarding broadsword differed from its land counterpart, first of all, in that its guard was made in the form of a shell.
There were other differences as well. Its one-sided blade, which had a length of up to eighty centimeters and a width of about four centimeters, was devoid of fullers - longitudinal channels designed to reduce weight and give additional strength. In this respect, the naval broadsword was similar to the infantry one, which had the same design feature of the blade.
Broadswords in the Russian army
The broadsword appeared in Russia at the end of the 17th century. This was due to the large influx military service foreign officers, as a rule, bringing with them firearms and bladed weapons. The photo that concludes the article shows several broadswords of that period, made in Moscow, but made according to foreign models. As you can see, they are characterized by a beveled handle, convenient for delivering slashing blows from a horse, as well as a cross, straight or with ends lowered to the blade.
In the first quarter of the 18th century, under Peter I, the Russian army was universally created as one of the most effective types of heavy cavalry. The main component of their weapons was the broadsword - the weapon most suitable for this type of army. The demand for it increased sharply, since, in addition to dragoon units, horse-grenadier and carabinieri regiments were armed with it.
Production and import of broadswords
From that time on, they began to produce it using the factory method, introducing a certain unification, but, in addition, a significant number of broadswords were delivered from abroad. In Western Europe, the main center of their production was the German city of Solingen, where by that time there were a number of enterprises specializing in the production of edged weapons.
Broadswords produced in Russia had a number of distinctive features. For example, products produced during the reign of Empress Catherine II were decorated with an engraving depicting a crown and its monogram - “E II”. The scabbard was leather or made of wood and covered with leather. This tradition continued until 1810, when, by order of Alexander I, they began to be made of metal. The only exception was the boarding broadsword, whose sheath still remained leather.
The broadsword as an independent type of bladed weapon became most widespread in the first half of the 19th century. At this time, several of its varieties were in service with the Russian and most European armies. Among them, researchers highlight: the guards cuirassier broadsword, the army cuirassier broadsword, the dragoon broadsword and, finally, the infantry broadsword. Each of these types has its own characteristic features. Their common feature was the design of the blade, which became single-edged from the beginning of the 19th century.
Weapon that became a museum exhibit
Nowadays, broadswords can only be seen in the hands of soldiers holding an honor guard under the banner of the Russian Navy. Scientific and technological progress has forced them out of modern arsenals. The same fate befell almost all edged weapons. The photos presented in this article are a kind of retrospective to a long-gone world, where, kicking up dust, cavalry lava attacked, and menacing blades soaring to the sky glittered in the sun.
