Antique swords make up a very special group of antiques. On the one hand, they are military pieces that should never be missing in a good exhibition of antique weapons. On the other, their beauty and magnificent presence make them items of great decorative potential. Within the term "antique swords" we find many different pieces, each with its ...
Antique swords make up a very special group of antiques. On the one hand, they are military pieces that should never be missing in a good exhibition of antique weapons. On the other, their beauty and magnificent presence make them items of great decorative potential. Within the term "antique swords" we find many different pieces, each with its own name, configuration, function and style. From the imposing old sabers, which used to be part of the equipment of cavalry and infantry corps, to the antique knives made so famous by bandits, period blades continue to arouse a remarkable fascination that increases with the passage of time.
Although many of them have not yet reached the century of antiquity, we can consider old swords the bladed weapons manufactured and used until the end of World War II (1939-1945). This war was dominated by firearms, leaving bladed weapons in the background. However, for centuries they were the most important armament carried by armies, even after the appearance of firearms (which even came to be incorporated in the form of bayonets).
While many military uniforms include sabers and daggers in their equipment, after World War II this practice became regimented, with virtually no practical function. However, we know that Japanese soldiers carried knives called gunto, similar to the famous katanas. The officers of the elite corps of the Nazi army also carried different types of daggers. In this warfare, edged weapons were used in close combat and as a complement to the rest of the armament; for this reason, they were usually short weapons such as daggers or knives. It is worth noting the famous figure of Jack Churchill, a British captain who fought in the war with a bow, arrows and a double-edged sword known as "Claymore" Churchill was captured by the Germans (he made a spectacular escape) and survived World War II, dying in 1996.
Brief history of ancient swords
The first bladed weapons in history date back to the Bronze Age, when the first daggers were forged. It was not until 2000 B.C. that the technique of metal forging led to the development of the first bladed weapons. to the first ancient swords, as we know them today. Then the blades were made of bronze, which made them more fragile; in the 13th century B.C. the first iron swords began to be created. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, bladed weapons evolved and models such as sabers, machetes and spadone, large and heavy weapons that were wielded with both hands, appeared. In the Modern Age these weapons become lighter; rapiers and other similar ancient swords appear, incorporating protective measures in the hilt. The development and use of edged weapons continued until World War II; from the end of this conflict, they are used mainly as a complement to dress and parade uniforms.
Types of antique edged weapons
Under the name "edged weapons" we can distinguish the following types:
Antique swords, as well as the rest of the period bladed weapons, make up a universe that exudes fascination. Their details, their quality and their fearsome appearance make them fundamental pieces in any collection of military or war antiques.
Gorgeous sword from Wurttemberg with profusely decorated scabbard. Appliqued plates from different places. In good condition. Gorgeous sword from Wurttemberg with...
Beautiful machete for Spanish officers in Cuba. Hilt decorated with a lions head. Finely preserved. Beautiful machete for Spanish...
Antique Spanish sword for line cavalry. With blade of a Scottish sword. Very rare and well preserved. Antique Spanish sword for line...
Gorgeous saber for senior light cavalry officer. Original from the First French Empire. Decorated blade. Gorgeous saber for senior light...
Great hunting knife or dagger from Toledo, Spain. Almost one hundred years old. Blade with engraved inscription. Great hunting knife or dagger from...
Very rare saber for dragoon troops mod. 1784 of the 1st Napoleonic Empire. Well preserved and of great beauty. Very rare saber for dragoon troops...
Fine Napoleonic saber for senior officers, very rare and unique. Custom-made weapon with decorated blade. Fine Napoleonic saber for senior...
Gorgeous Napoleonic saber with brass hilt and scabbard. In excellent condition. For cavalry officers. Gorgeous Napoleonic saber with brass...
Antique French machete for on-foot artillery. Model 1816. In very good condition. Antique French machete for on-foot...
Beautiful saber-sword for officers of the French Revolution. Known as miner sword. In good condition. Beautiful saber-sword for officers of...
Majestic sword for Spanish cavalry officers in very good condition. Blade with combat signs. Majestic sword for Spanish cavalry...
Antique regulatory machete for Spanish infantry officers in Cuba. With original scabbard. Well preserved. Antique regulatory machete for...
Very rare machete for infantry officers with elephant-shaped hilt. For overseas colonies. In good condition. Very rare machete for infantry...
Antique German saber from the mid-17th century. One of the first sabers ever forged. For infantry officers. Antique German saber from the...
Exceptional and rare Napoleonic sword for heavy cavalry troops. Iconic and very sought-after collector´s piece. Exceptional and rare Napoleonic sword...
Gorgeous Bulova gents' wristwatch...