On the Manner of Wearing a Sword: The Lesson

Greetings,

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