The Schiavona

A 17^th century masterpiece

by Jean Binck

The Schiavona came from the 16^th century sword of the Venetian Doge guard which largely consisted of Dalmatian Slavs (Schiavoni).

This sword combined the full hand protection of a deep basket hilt made up of a number of connecting iron bars, and a very efficient blade that allowed both cut and thrust.

During the 17^th century, due to the trade with northern Italy, the “Schiavona” won a wide popularity in other European armies as well. Fitted with a long blade, it became the favourite sword of the heavy cavalry.

Here is a description of such a sword which is the private property of a collector friend who kindly allowed me to take these pictures and to handle and measure this wonderful item.

The blade is straight, two-edged 932 mm long and 34 mm wide at the ricasso and 4.5 mm thick. It bears a maker mark on both sides that I could not identify.

The grip is covered with leather and has the typical flat “cat’s head” brass pommel both sides of which are ornamented.

The hilt is a complex assembly of iron bars which forms a basket 103 mm wide. On the inner side of the cross-guard is a iron thumb loop.

The sword is 1071 mm long and weighs 1125 grams.

By comparing with items in museums, there should be a leather cap attached to the cross-guard which covers the mouth of the scabbard when the sword is sheathed. This leather cap also protects the index finger that grips the cross-guard and rests against the edge of the blade, which would be painful if not protected.

On the examined item, this leather cap as well as the scabbard were missing.

I had the opportunity to handle the “schiavona”, and I can tell you that it is certainly not only a sword maker masterpiece, but also a magnificently well balanced and efficient soldier’s sword which certainly deserved its wide popularity among the 17^th century cavalry.

Bibliography:

WAGNER E. , Cut and Thrust Weapons, Hamlyn, UK (1969)

Text and pictures are the property of the author

Contact the author: jeanbck@hotmail.com

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Version: March 3, 2001