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How do I Find Information on the Critical Dimensions of Historical Swords?

A

alexturner125

Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
11
Hello, I've been interested in swords for most of my life, and I'd like to learn how to make historically accurate European swords. I'm familiar with Ewart Oakeshott and his typology, as well as the Petersen typology.

Unfortunately, I do not have access to actual surviving historical swords, as I live in the western United States. While I could certainly make something that looks like a sword from a given period, I don't have the knowledge to make it truly "historically accurate" in its dimensions. For example, how do I get the correct rate of profile taper, aside from just making something that looks right? What about rates of distal taper? Width/taper of the tang? Width, depth, taper, and diameter of a fuller? Rates of curve on the bevel of lenticular and concave cross-sectioned blades what about proportions and dimensions of hilt elements? How much did these dimensions vary historically for a given sword type/time period/individual smith? How strict were the "tolerances"?

Obviously, I don't expect the answers to these in-depth questions to be handed to me. I just want to know where I might start looking for this information/how to get into the right mindset to make historical weapons. Thank you for your responses and insight.
 
Here's a link to the Wallace Collection in England:

Wallace Collection Online - The Collection | Result https://share.google/JVGtgJh9ADVwn1OOA

It's a massive collection of arms that has been collected over centuries. I know of some UK based makers that have studied examples from the collection to produce usable replicas. I'm not sure if the Wallace Collection publishes all of the info you need, but it's a start.
 
oldmanwilly said:
Here's a link to the Wallace Collection in England:

Wallace Collection Online - The Collection | Result https://share.google/JVGtgJh9ADVwn1OOA

It's a massive collection of arms that has been collected over centuries. I know of some UK based makers that have studied examples from the collection to produce usable replicas. I'm not sure if the Wallace Collection publishes all of the info you need, but it's a start.
Click to expand...
This is awesome, thank you so much!!!
 
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