Museum Quality, late 17th century English short sword
It is most likely that the short sword originated in the courts of Louis XIV of france where it was worn instead of the rapier.
Certainly by the 1660's new styles of fencing were being taught where the emphasis was to use the sword blade for both offence and defense instead of the rapier and dagger style of the previous century.
It was also realised that in a duel between swordsmen of equal skill, the man with the lighter weapon would have the advantage over his opponent. After the restitution of Charles II the short sword appears in England and as swords were worn by gentlemen as part of their every day costume, swords were more convenient than rapiers to wear.
The short sword developed over the following century employing a variety of different blade styles, hilts and decoration but in essence a typical short sword had a small pommell, a slim grip over shell guard, a knuckle bow protecting the fingers and there was often a pair of finger rings just above the shell guard for extra grip. The blade was narrow, double edged or triangular in section and hollow ground blades were considered the best not only for strength but for the lightness they imparted to the weapon.
This sword measures approx 39 1/2 " (1003mm) overall and the blade measures approx 33" (838mm) and 1" (25mm) at its widest point
The handle grip measures approx 3 1/2" and the swords weighs just under 1kg.
