History of the Sword

The evolution of the blade parallels humankind’s development of metallurgic technology. About 5000 years ago the Minoans developed metal-working technology, using primarily copper, gold and silver. The addition of tin to copper yielded a bronze alloy which was strong enough to make blades of reliable use.

By 4000 years ago, raiders of the Mediterranean, presumably from Russia, had developed double-edged weapons that could be used for cutting as well as stabbing. Because of the new stresses placed on blades used in this fashion, gradual advances were made in the shapes of the blade and tang to prevent the swords from essentially falling of their hilts during combat.

By about 2600 years ago the Assyrians controlled much of the middle-east, and their empire was founded on the ability to make blades of iron. European tribes at this time were also developing long iron swords, probably based on the Assyrian technology. By 2500 years ago, iron was used almost exclusively for edged weapons. The iron long sword ultimately proved to be too much even for the Roman Empire, and changed little from that time until the Middle Ages.

During the Middle Ages, swords became heavier and more ornamental. Because of the added weight of the sword, the quillon, or hand guard, was developed. This essentially prevented the hand from slipping off the handle and onto the blade itself. Through the Middle Ages, the quillon became more elaborate, sometimes forming a basket to protect the entire hand and making the sword nearly impossible to drop.

In the early Middle Ages, swords were the weapons of knights and nobility, to be used both from horseback and on foot. By the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, military tactics dictated the formation of large armies. Swords began to be issued to foot soldiers of all ranks to be used as their primary weapons. At this time, the traditional role of the knight began to evolve into the horsed cavalry, and their swords were used almost exclusively from horseback. Broadswords began to evolve into the modern saber.

The saber continued to be a weapon of use in warfare until World War I. Since that period, the new technologies developed in the American Civil War have advanced considerably, and the sword is now used primarily for decorative and formal purposes rather than combat.

Somewhat less is knows about the evolution of edged weapons in Asia prior to the Renaissance era, but beautifully ornamental swords and daggers from Asian regions have been dated back to the 1300’s. These include the Indian talwar, bhuj and bagh nakh; the more modern Indian Khanda; the Indonesian kris and mandau; and of course the daisho, haikuchi, hamidashi, kwaiken and nagamaki of Japan. The most historic of the swords of Japan is the tachi, the first samurai sword.

Swords - Antique Swords for Sale or Trade - Original Old Swords

Swords - Antique Swords for Sale or Trade - Original Old Swords...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Antique Swords, Rapiers, Broadswords, Pole Arms, Guns, and Armour

Fine original antique swords, rapiers, broadswords, polearms, guns, and armour for the discriminating collector. ... for sale Rapier sword Broadswords Antique weapon Antique sale sword ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Ninja Weapons;Ninja Swords:Ninja costume, swords for sale, ninja katan

We have all sorts of ninja equipment and weapons. Browse our huge selection of ninja related iterms. Traditional ninja uniform costume An authentic reproduction of a Shinobi Shozoku, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Antique Sale Sword by Antiqueweaponstore.com

...Antique Sale Sword information. ....Antique Sale.....by Antiqueweaponstore.com.. Antique sale sword sources presented at.....Antiqueweaponstore.com. Antique sale sword information ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

FREE Japanese Sword Evaluations, ANTIQUE Firearms WANTED!, Swords and

... Sheet Rubbing Inscription of the Tang Items For Sale: Juyo Token Swords Fine Japanese Swords Tsuba & ... Rarities Fine Japanese Prints _ Custom Sword Stands Antique Guns _ French art ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords Arms and Armor

US-based antique Japanese sword dealer offers restoration services and sword discussion groups. Find swords for trade or sale.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Antique Sale Sword at Rapier-Sword.Com

...www.discountshopping-online.com.. Antique Sale Sword at Rapier-Sword.Com. Antique Sale.....Antique Sale Sword information. ....Antique Sale.....several very rare types. Look for antique ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

LionGate Arms & Armour Sells Antique European Swords

I am also interested in buying your antique arms and armour for sale on this site.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Knife Smarts |Online Knife Resources automatic knives,switchblades,swo

... antique indian sword. antique italian switchblades. antique japanese swords. antique japanese sale sword. antique japanese ... sabatier knives. antique sale sword. antique samurai ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Antique Sale Sword Available Through Antiqueweaponstore.com

...Antique Sale Sword information. ....Antique Sale.....Through Antiqueweaponstore.com.. Antique sale sword information available by clicking.....including several very rare types. Antique ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]