There are several types of rapier swords that gained prominence in the Renaissance period of history. No gentleman’s education was complete without an intense study of swordplay with these popular swords. The Italians were pre-eminent in teaching the art of dueling or fencing. Every court in Europe felt that they should have an Italian fencing master, and most did.
The narrow pointed blades of the rapier were designed as thrusting weapons. One of the best known rapiers of the Renaissance era was the swept hilt rapier, which had elaborate curves. This blade was popular in almost every country. Very often these swords were very decorated with jewels set in a hilt of gold, silver and brass. They were a symbol of the wealth of the carrier. Often the swept hilt rapiers had two quillons rather than the single one of the earlier Renaissance.
Early in the seventeenth century the cup hilt rapier appeared. The plate-like cup provided additional protection for the hand. This type of sword is often seen in Hollywood films, such as Captain Blood and Robin Hood. It is often referred to as the “Spanish” rapier. This sword is the forerunner of the modern fencing weapons of today.
A cruder form of the cup hilt rapier was called the Spanish bilbo. These weapons were used by pirates in the Caribbean; a replica of such weapons can be seen in the movie of the same name, Pirates of the Caribbean.
The definition of The Hand and a Half or Bastard Sword according to A Glossary of the Construction, Definition and Use of Arms and Armor, is a long, straight blade of the 15th century with a plain cross guard, long grip and rounded pommel. This sword was ordinarily used with one hand, but the grip was long enough to allow it to be grasped with two to three fingers of the left hand if it was desired to give extra weight to the blow.
Actually according to Swords and Hilt Weapons this Bastard Sword made its appearance in the mid twelfth century. Perhaps these early Hand and a Half Swords were produced for the Plantaganet family, or a well known family who always desired a little extra power on the blade.
One of the most famous Bastard Swords that is preserved belonged to Henry IV of England. It was made for him by Herman van Cleve, a goldsmith. This Medieval Sword was obviously ceremonial in nature, because of its rich detail of gold forget-me-nots, which was Henry’s symbol before he ascended the throne. If you are interested in an entertaining description of Henry IV, Shakespeare provides a lively account in his plays, HenryIV, parts I and II. If you desire to be a Renaissance man with a sword and combat skills, try adding a little literacy to the mix also.
Speaking of the Renaissance, this is the period that saw the greatest popularity of the Bastard Sword. Plate armour became very sophisticated with metal of various sizes being attached to a reinforced heavy fabric jacket. In combat against this type of armor, the thrusting sword was favored over the cutting sword. The mounted knight of the early Renaissance was armed with two swords, one on the front or side of his saddle and the other on his hip. Both of these weapons were Bastard or Hand and a Half Swords.
These swords were used extensively in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Their use continued until the seventeenth century.
If you are interested in a Bastard Sword in your LARP or historical reenactment, there are many different price ranges of these replica swords. If you have the big bucks, why not have a custom Hand and a Half weapon made especially for you. One of the most talented swordsmiths is Michael “Tinker” Pearce. Also, Pearce has done design work for CAS/Hanwei, and if you can’t afford a custom sword, the CAS/Hanwei “Tinker” Sword is an outstanding well balanced weapon. Who doesn’t need a little extra power in the blade?