N.R. Biskup
The Hermitage collection possesses examples of cold steel arms from such European countries as Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, France and others. Based on archaeological material spanning the period from the 9th century up to the 12th century, it offers a wonderful retrospective view of European cold weaponry over a long period of time. Germany (Solingen, Passau, Augsburg and Nuremberg) and Spain (Toledo) were the main centres for bladed weapons production. As early as the 13th century their world-famous gun shops, which have continued to exist till the present day, emerged in the German town of Solingen. However, it was Spain that became the leading blade manufacturer in the 16th and 17th centuries. Swords and daggers manufactured in Toledo, the main city of gun makers, had not only durability, but also flexibility.
From time immemorial cold weaponry was believed to be of vital importance to man, not infrequently having a mystic and sacral meaning. It not only protected its owner, but was also an indication of his status and granted him certain social rights.
During the Viking era swords with a rather broad plate of steel, a two-edged blade with a blunt point, with a length of up to 90-95 cm, were widespread in the 9th-12th centuries. Archaeological swords in the Hermitage collection exemplify this kind of weapons. They were suitable for dealing slashing cuts. However, as armour gradually became stronger, in addition to a slashing blow there appeared a need for a sword thrust of higher precision. Afterwards, starting from the 13th century, the blade was narrowed and sharpened at the end.
Several kinds of arming swords were designed. A so called hand-and-a-half-sword acquired great popularity. It had an elongated grip for dealing a powerful blow by holding it with two hands.
In the 15th-16th centuries there existed another kind of bladed weapon known as a longsword. It had a massive pommel capable of counterbalancing a long blade and frequently the blade had an interception over the cross-guard. With a few exceptions, the longsword (two-handed sword) was not a knight’s weapon. It was meant to be used by armed groups of foot soldiers known as Landsknechts, who carried a sheathless sword on the shoulder. This kind of sword had an average length of 150 to160 cm, and a weight of 4 to 4. 5 kg. It was used for military purposes until the late 16th century.
Swords gradually were superseded by lighter and handier rapiers, remaining, however, attributes for ceremonial occasions. A similar ceremonial sword is displayed in the Knights’ Room. Its blade is decorated with representations of mythical sea animals and amphibians. The sword silver hilt and scabbard are covered in plates of mother of pearl with turquoise, and garnets.
While discussing cold arms, one cannot but mention a wide range of daggers. The dagger known as “oxtongue” or “cinquedea” (it comes from the Italian “bunch of fives”) gained widespread use, particularly in Italy. Townspeople generally carried it in time of peace; it was richly decorated with ivory, ormolu, gems and precious metals.
Stilettos with three and four-edged blades enjoyed great popularity too. In the 15th-16th centuries they were worn by gunmen who used them for clearing cannon-fuse touch holes, as well as for gauging caliber and powder quantity. Therefore, stiletto blade often had a numerical scale. Since daggers were often part of a ceremonial dress, they were richly decorated. The 16th century dagger with a carved wooden grip bearing some scenes from the Bible is distinguished by superb workmanship. The pommel of the 16th century Italian dagger with an agate grip depicts the scene of the judgement of Paris executed in the relief carving and stamping technique; the scabbard represents the scene of the rape of Helen.
Not only hilts but also blades were richly decorated. A hunting sword made in Augsburg should be regarded as a masterpiece of the gunmaker’s art. Its entire blade is covered with engraved images of hunting and battle scenes.
Throughout the 16th and early 17th century a transition occurred from a relatively heavy knight’s sword to a lighter and more convenient sword. The blade became far narrower; the hilt got more complicated, an ordinary cross-guard was replaced by various rings, guards and shields. With the help of these devices a warrior could not only protect the hand but also grip his opponent’s sword point.
The sword became a true spiritual and ideological successor to a knight’s sword, as well as the symbol of honour and bravery. It also became the most popular weapon used in the duel, since only noblemen were allowed to carry swords in times of peace. Names of the most well-known duelists went down in history and literature. The most notorious among them – Count de Bussy, Agrippa d’Aubigné, Brantome, the minions of Henry III – participated in numerous duels and single combats. Schools were established to train people in the art of swordsmanship; numerous treatises were published on the subject. Italian and Spanish schools of fencing were well reputed, while beginning with the 17th century the French gained prominence.
Daga, a left hand dagger, was used in conjunction with the sword. The daga had a broad blade. Twisted guards and a cross-guard of the daga helped to repel the opponent’s sword and at the earliest opportunity to ward off the opponent’s blow. It was common to make sets consisting of sword and dagger. An example of this set produced by the renowned Toledo gunsmith Pedro de Toro is showcased in the Knights’ Room display. In addition to the dagger, a cloak wound around the hand as well as a small fencing shield, which made it possible to catch and even break the opponent’s sword end, were used.
With the development of fencing technique a special type of weapon known as a rapier came into general use. The word ‘rapier’ is derived from the Spanish term "espada de ropero" (lit. “dress sword”), which means a weapon for everyday carry. This term stands for a type of sword with a long and narrow blade designed for making effective cuts. The rapier enabled one to deliver a strong thrust of higher precision. Its blade also differed dramatically from other kinds of weapons, since it could reach over a metre in length. Being no longer worn by noblemen on their waist, this kind of weapon was designed especially for duels and was generally carried by a servant who accompanied his master.
Since the sword or the rapier was a status and prestige symbol, their grips were often decorated with gems, elaborate engraving and gilding. Many jewellers and artists of the day made sketches for sword-hilts and decorated the swords. Among them were Leonardo da Vinci, Benvenuto Cellini and Hans Holbein the Younger.
In the 16th-17th centuries Spanish gunsmiths retained their leadership in producing blades. The well-known masters marked their blades and left their signatures. In those days such foremost gunsmiths as Pedro de Toro, Ortuno de Aguirre, Juan Martinez, Toma de Ayala, Pedro de Velmonte and others worked in Toledo. Works by these celebrated armourers are represented in the Hermitage collection and can be viewed in the Knights’ Room display.
