brian.pierson Posted December 25, 2010 Share Posted December 25, 2010 All, I am reading a book titled "Ancient Weapons in Britain" It covers Bronze age through 1066. I picked this up at the British Museum last month after spending the afternoon looking at the Sutton Hoo room. I took a bunch of pictures but can't tell from them, what the taper was like. The book covers length and width of the blade but nothing on the taper. I wish that I could find thickness listings even. Does anyone out there have a pointer on a reference book to look this up in. Thanks in advance everyone and Happy holiday season one and all. Brian Pierson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted December 27, 2010 Share Posted December 27, 2010 you might try the Royal Amouries in leeds? They have a website you can google Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonjic Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 An excellent book, documenting in detail lots of historical blades is 'Swords of the Viking Age' , by Ian Peirce. I put a subtle distal taper in the one I made, the weight and balance is very different with it in. Lots of very knowledgable guys on Don Foggs Blade forum for historically accurate stuff, (sorry to 'cross forum' post, but it is a very specialist area, and Dons site is the best resource ive found) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.pierson Posted December 28, 2010 Author Share Posted December 28, 2010 Ian and John, Thanks for the responses. I took a look at the Royal Armouries' website but nothing was there. I will see what I can do to dig up the book. I may have to do some other forum posting. Yes it is a specific question. Thanks again. Brian Pierson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basher Posted December 29, 2010 Share Posted December 29, 2010 there is often distal taper . one example I have measured goes from 5.5mm at the hilt to 3.8 before the tip thins. They do however vary and in some cases the blade distal tapers and then re thickens towards the point of percussion. In my experience swords differ quite a bit from one to another within one type or period . you will be hard pressed to find any really good info on sword dimensions in books , at least ones that are good enough to make a sword from. its a case of getting to see originals in most cases and that means being polite and professional with museum curators . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 Hey Owen, how's things? That old swage block of yours is still getting plenty of use I should have been a bit clearer with my reference to the Royal Armouries, I meant google them and check the site to see if there was a way of contacting one of the curators. Their armourer was a fellow called Andrew Bodley, but I think he's moved on, he did post on here a long while ago so might be contactable. I know from talking with a few of the european sword makers that getting your hands on an original is the only real way to see how the different geometries work. Most of them took micrometers with them when they got a chance :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.pierson Posted December 31, 2010 Author Share Posted December 31, 2010 Ian and Owen, thanks again for the reply. I am about 2 hours from Louisville, KY. There is an arm of the Armouries there so I may get a chance to talk to a curator in person. I am being curious more than practical on this question. I was trying to envision what the finished product likely looked like. Thanks for your time in answering. Happy New Year Brian Pierson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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