Oakeshott classification

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The different Oakeshott types

The Oakeshott classification of the medieval sword is based on the morphology of the blade (while most previous classifications are based on the morphology of the vessel ). It divides swords into 13 main types - numbered from X to XXII. Ewart Oakeshott introduced this classification in his book The Sword in The Age of Chivalry 1964 (revised edition 1981).

The system is a continuation of Jan Petersen's classification of the Viking sword, ( De Norske Vikingsverd , 1919, revised and numbered from I to IX 1927 by REM Wheeler).

Classification

The blade types X-XIV, including the sub-types , are characterized by spherical , i.e. convex, blade cross-sections. The types from XV upwards have rhombic or diamond-shaped cross-sections. The cross-sections are interrupted by the respective fillets .

A convex cross-section of the blade is a legacy of the Viking Age swords and is particularly suitable for slashing swords. This blade shape was used until the 14th century.

Swords with rhombic or diamond-shaped blades are in use from around the end of the 12th century until modern times and are particularly suitable for thrusting.

Type X

The type X swords represent the type of knight swords that is still very similar to the Viking sword. The blades are wide and of medium length (approx. 31 "= approx. 79 cm), the wide fuller ends approx. 1" = 2.54 cm from the mostly round tip. The weight is around 1.3 kg. These swords were in use from the late 9th century to the 12th century. This blade shape can also be found on later Viking swords. The Ulfberht sword , for example, belongs to this category .

Subtype Xa: The fuller is narrower, the blade is slightly longer and tapered to a point. Common between approx. 1000 and 1300.

Type XI

Swords of this type have a longer, rather slender blade (85–95 cm) and a narrower fuller than type X swords, a tapering location and were probably used between approx. 1100 and 1175. The best known sword of this type is the Imperial Sword of the Holy Roman Empire , which was probably created at the end of the 12th century.

Subtype XIa: Slightly wider and shorter swords than type XI.

Type XII

Type XII can be regarded as the most important sword type of the High Middle Ages and thus represents the classic knight's sword . It is mainly used in the 13th and 14th centuries, but has been around since around 1000. The blade of this type is wide and flat and tapers significantly towards the tip (location). In addition, the fuller is significantly shorter than on swords of the types X and XI and only extends over about 2/3 the length of the blade. The blade length is about 80-85 cm. Other Oakeshott criteria for this type are a pointed spot and short handle, never a hand and a half long. Because of the prevalence throughout the High Middle Ages, this type can easily be confused with other types.

Subtype XIIa: Like type XII, but to be guided with both hands if the grip is longer. In use in the 13th and 14th centuries. The weight is approx. 1.36–1.8 kg.

Type XIII

In use in the second half of the 13th century. Type XIII blades are long and wide with parallel cutting edges and a rounded tip. The blade cross-section is lenticular. The booklet is typically around 15 cm longer than previous types and thus allows occasional two-handed use. The guard is straight, the knob is walnut or disk-shaped (Oakeshott Knauf D, E and I).

Subtype XIIIa: Great swords with a blade length of up to 1 m, the handle wood is up to 25 cm long. They correspond to the Grans espées d'Allemagne and appear in the 12th century, but remain popular until the 15th century.

Subtype XIIIb: Like type XIII, but with one-hand grip.

Type XIV

Ewart Oakeshott describes Type XIV blades as short, wide and tapering sharply towards the location. The fuller, possibly several, is about 2/3 of the length. The pommel always has a wheel shape. The quillons are generally rather long and arched.

Type XV

Tapered blade with a diamond-shaped cross-section with a pointed point. In use from approx. 1300 to approx. 1500.

Subtype XVa: A longer and narrower blade, the handle wood is 18–25 cm long. Typical Liechtenauer sword.

Type XVI

Diamond cross-section with a fuller over 1/2 blade length. The blade length is approx. 70–80 cm.

Subtype XVIa: As with many other types, there is also a hand-and-a-half version of type XVI with a longer handle and longer blade. These swords have shorter fillets and a flat hexagonal cross-section.

Type XVII

These swords have a long, pointed blade with a hexagonal cross-section and a two-handed handle. These heavy blades, weighing more than 2 kilograms, were used to pierce armor. These swords were in use from around 1360 to around 1420.

Type XVIII

Sharpening blades with a short wooden handle (approx. 10 cm). The cross section of the blade is diamond-shaped. It tapers less evenly than with Type XV, which in some cases is the only distinguishing criterion. In comparison, the blades appear slightly concave.

Subtype XVIIIa: Slender blades with a length of approx. 80 cm and a longer handle (13 cm) than type XVIII.

Subtype XVIIIb: Long, slender blade, even longer handle (25–30 cm), in use around 1450 to 1520.

Subtype XVIIIc: Broad blade that is approx. 90 cm long.

Type XIX

Broad blades from the 15th century for one-handed use, with a parallel cutting edge, narrow fuller and ricasso .

Type XX

14th to 15th century hand -and-a-half swords, often with two fullers in the upper quarter.

Subtype XXa: narrower blades.

Type XXI

Cinquedea blades , late 15th century.

Type XXII

Broad, flat blades with two narrow fullers. In use around 1500.

See also

literature

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c d Thomas Laible: The sword - myth and reality. Wieland-Verlag, Bad Aibling 2006, ISBN 3-938711-05-1 .
  2. ↑ http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_spotxvi.html