Longsword
The longsword is a European sword. It was mainly used during the medieval and renaissance periods, about 1350 to 1550 AD. Early and late use is known in the 13th and 17th centuries.
| Longsword | |
|---|---|
 Swiss longsword, 15th or early 16th century (Morges museum) | |
| Type | Sword |
| Service history | |
| In service | ca. 1350 - 1550 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | avg. 1.4 kg |
| Length | avg. 105-120 cm |
| Blade length | avg. 90-92 cm |
| Blade type | Double-edged, straight bladed |
| Hilt type | Two-handed cruciform, with pommel |
The longsword has a long blade, but also a long grip, which means it is a weapon designed for two-handed use.
Longsword Media
Replica of the Brescia Spadona, a 15th Century "hand and a half" longsword named after the city where it now resides, in the Museo Civico L. Mazzoli in Brescia, Italy. It has a tapered type XVIIIa or type XVIa blade and an octagonal pommel.
Different blade cross-sections. At the top, variants of the diamond shape. At the bottom, variants of the lenticular shape.
1440s illustration of one- and two-handed use of the longsword. Note the sword being used one-handed is drawn shorter and may also be intended as a large knightly sword (CPG 339 fol. 135r).
Example of two handed use vs. half-sword, dating to c. 1418 (CPG 359, fol. 46v).
Page of the Codex Wallerstein showing a half-sword thrust against a two-handed sword's Mordstreich (Plate 214)
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