This is the lesson version of the discussion which I had previously made on the manner of wearing a sword. This takes a much more practical approach to the subject and includes references for anyone who might be interested in a little more research, or where I got my findings from. This lesson is more focussed at a recreationalist approach to the subject, but still applies overall.
Introduction
“The man dancing the Balletti
gravi will wear the cloak, and the sword in the manner which is demonstrated in
the design of the Balletto of the Bellezze d' Olimpia: and dancing Cascarde, or
Gagliarda, they will carry that as is demonstrated in the design of the
Cascarda Alta Regina: keeping it as most it will please him either under the
right arm or under the left; which one does not matter much: neither dance
without this ever, because it makes a most brutish sight. Dancing gagliarda,
and finding the sword, he shall hold that with the left hand, such that he
would not let it go wandering: and finding it again in the Ballo to have little
field, keeping it with the hand, it will return some with the point towards the
forward part, such that it not offend the bystanders.” (Caroso, 1581)
The wearing of a sword is a
subject which is often overlooked with regard to weapons, but is one which
needs some attention paid to it. Some would think that this is a subject where
the knowledge is automatic, but there is a great deal more attention that needs
to be paid to it. The wearing of a sword, especially in public is a skill not
unlike those designed to teach how to use the sword, thus it is a skill which
needs instruction, especially for the modern wearer who is not used to the
issues associated.
Caroso, in the above statement,
gives some very specific instructions for wearing the sword and cloak when
dancing. Some of the information presented above will be re-presented below as
it is applicable to the situation. Caroso's instruction is primarily discussing
the wearing of the sword and cloak while dancing whereas this investigation
will cover a much broader consideration of wearing the sword, while covering
some specifics as well.
Appropriateness
The first
question that must be dealt with in regards to wearing a sword is whether or
not it is appropriate to wear a sword in the first place. There are times when
it is appropriate to wear a sword and there are also times when it is most
definitely not appropriate. In this, there are times in medieval and
Renaissance instances, as they are being recreated, and times in the modern
world when it is and is not appropriate to wear a sword and the level of
censure can be severe for some of these.
Most of the appropriateness of wearing
a sword comes from the perceived social norms and conventions of the situation,
as well as some legal ones. It is not normal for a person to be seen walking
down the street in the modern world with a sword, this would obviously be a
breach of a social norm. More to the point in this particular situation a
person could also be pulled up by the local constabulary and could be charged
with "going armed in public with intent to cause fear", which while
it is a misdemeanour is still a serious situation to put yourself in. However,
should the same person be found wearing medieval or Renaissance dress and the
appropriate weapon at a medieval or Renaissance event or fair, then the
situation would be different and the person would blend in. Consider whether
the situation is appropriate before girding yourself with your weapon.
Weapons and Alcohol
Weapons and alcohol simply do not
mix. There are many stories of people being injured and/or killed when weapons
and alcohol are mixed. Some of these stories are from the medieval and
Renaissance period and some are from the modern period. The two should be kept
from one another regardless of the social situation, thus it is advised that
the weapon be put in a safe place before going anywhere near a bar or tavern. Wearing
a sword into such a situation has too high a potential for causing issues. The
owner of the weapon should even consider putting the weapon away in a safe
place should they be in a private situation where alcohol will be served.
Costume
“While some military swords were
worn as costume decoration from the end of the fifteenth century, the rapier
and dagger combination were specialist weapons designed for use away from the
battlefield.” (Patterson, 2009:58)
Surprisingly enough, even when
associating with a medieval or Renaissance recreation group the consideration
of appropriateness still applies and needs to be considered. The first question
that needs to be asked is whether the wearing of a sword is appropriate for the
attire which is being worn in the first place. The common wearing of swords in
a civilian situation did not really come about until the Renaissance period, as
indicated, and even in that it was not really until the later period that it
became common. Thus the period of the costume with regard to wearing a weapon
is something that needs to be considered. You should investigate whether or not
it would be appropriate for your own costume.
Rank
“as economic development
generated wealth for the middle classes, many aspiring gentlemen incorporated
the rapier and dagger into their everyday dress … As clothing accessories they
were decorated as a set and worn in a fashionable sling called a hanger. Their
decoration might also match the spurs in their boots, the pendants around their
necks, and the embroidery in their clothes” (Patterson, 2009:58)
With regard to the suitability of
the attire for wearing a sword with it there is also the question of rank, or
to be more general, social status. Wearing a sword with a peasant outfit would
look almost as out of place as being heavily jewelled. Thus we must consider
whether the attire which is being worn is appropriate to be accompanied by such
a weapon.
With regard to the question of
rank, there are some obvious ranks which would carry swords as part of their
outfits. These would be knights and the nobility. However there are also lower
ranks that would wear weapons, such as the gentry. In fact a gentleman of the
later Renaissance period would not be seen in public without a weapon at his
side. However, to add to this we must consider the image which is being
presented in this instance and whether such a weapon is suitable for it.
Clearly a person should consider whether they will wear a sword in the presence
of royalty as this can cause some issues as well. Obviously only people of the
appropriate rank should even consider doing so. It is better to assume that you
do not have the appropriate rank than to wear the weapon and possibly cause
issues.
Mounting
Now that the appropriate
situations have been considered it is possible to look at the mounting of the
weapon, or how it is worn. This would seem to be an automatic sort of thing,
but actually there are things which need to be considered. The appropriate
mounting for the weapon must be considered in order to be able to control the
weapon. Having a weapon in an in appropriate mounting not only looks bad but
also can lead to a lack of control of the weapon which can be disastrous. Thus
the appropriate weapon must be placed with the correct mounting.
Suitable to Weapon
“Most medieval swords were
strapped to the wearer with belts attached directly to the scabbards. They sat
on the left hip, slightly angled forward so they could be controlled and drawn
easily. Later swords were usually suspended from the belt at a more horizontal
angle, either by various arrangements of straps or by a baldric, a broad strap
hung from the right shoulder and running round the body across the left hip.”
(Ducklin and Waller, 2001:34)
In the case of all swords, this
must start with a scabbard. This protects the blade of the weapon and prevents
a piece of steel being exposed to damaging or being damaged by passers-by. The
next part is what sort of hanger is appropriate, or even if one should be used.
For most medieval swords, the scabbard was mounted directly on to the belt as
they had a belt designed for the purpose. In the case of the rapier and later
weapons a hanger was attached to the scabbard and this was mounted on to the
belt. The owner of the weapon should research for the appropriate mounting rig
for the weapon.
Position
Once the correct mounting rig has
been chosen then it is necessary to consider the position of the weapon. In the
case of the rapier the hanger and belt made it possible to shift ...
The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...
It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV
... or direct from the author.
Bibliography
Caroso da Sermoneta, Fabritio (1581) Il Ballarino
Ducklin, K. and Waller, J. (2001) Sword Fighting: A Manual for Actors & Directors, Applause
Theatre Books, New York, USA
Patterson, A. (2009) Fashion
and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A
Publishing, London, UK
