Medieval Collectibles Catalog : Swords : Renaissance Swords : Bastard Swords
Bastard Swords from Medieval Collectibles
Bastard Swords were developed in the mid 1400's as a form of long-sword with specially shaped grips for one or two hands. These swords typically had longer handles which allowed use by one or both hands. Bastard swords are also known as Hand-and-a-half swords. The sword's hilt often had side-rings and finger rings to defend the hand, and a more slender, or tapered, narrowly pointed blade. Bastard swords continued to be used by knights and men-at-arms into the 1500's, and for a time, enjoyed the civilian side-arm role that would later be superceded by the sidesword and rapier.