16 th century europeon hunting sword.

[shaw11b]

Ok, so I recently started doing research on 16th century Gamekeepers and looking into the tools they carried. The longbow, spear and axe were easy, but I'm having issues with locating hunting swords. I can find plenty on 17th and 18th century but not anything earlier, although in text it says they were used. If anyone is better at researching or has some knowledge to share I would be extremely greatful.

 

[Timo Nieminen]

The first and most obvious source to check is Howard Blackmore, "Hunting Weapons". Other than that, you might have to go through hunting artwork of the time, and see what weapons appear.

 

[shaw11b]

The first and most obvious source to check is Howard Blackmore, "Hunting Weapons". Other than that, you might have to go through hunting artwork of the time, and see what weapons appear.

I went to a few local book stores today looking for that book, but had no luck. Next I'll check the library, and lastly they have some used copies pretty cheap on Amazon.

 

[horseclover]

The Blackmore book is well worth the price of a pizza. However, aside from high level gentry trousse, swords of the early "common" gameskeepers are going to be messers and shorter cruciform hilts until the periods you are already aware of. Reivers in the UK and woodsmen in Europe no more specialized in weaponry than what was already commonplace. Nadziak and other walking staff axe/hammer combinations. Stuff like that go back to the medieval times.

Crossbows are outlined, boar swords and a few other goodies.

Cheers

GC