Broadswords and backswords are two popular varieties of basket-hilted weapons from the late medieval period and surviving in military contexts right up through the beginning of the 20th century. Although these two types of swords look quite similar, they have different blade forms that set them apart from each other. In this video Nathan examines several examples of original broadswords and backswords from the Oakeshott Institute collection.
Below are a few examples of broadswords and backswords that we have made as custom commissions at Arms and Armor. If you are interested in exploring a similar commission please contact us at aa@arms-n-armor.com.
Custom broadsword by Arms and Armor. Here is a link to a myArmoury discussion about this sword.
Here is a link describing this custom basket hilted broadsword.
Finally, here is a 3D model of one of the mortuary swords from the video, from The Oakeshott Institute, which will allow you to view it in very high resolution and from any angle. Enjoy getting up close and personal with one of these awesome swords!
Nathan Clough, Ph.D.is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985.
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