The term ‘bastard sword’ originates from the French épée bâtarde, itself translating roughly to ‘sword of uncertain origin’ — a fitting name for a blade that stubbornly refused to fit neatly into either the single-handed or true two-handed category. The blade could run the same length as an ordinary single-handed sword, but the tang and grip were built long enough to accommodate a second hand when extra leverage or power was needed, and it’s this versatility that historians point to as the reason the type resisted easy classification for centuries. This example carries that character directly: a short primary grip accommodates one hand in the standard hold, while the fingers of the second hand can rest on the blade’s forte, just forward of the guard, for extra control in a bind or a heavier cut. Its downward-curving crossguard is a recognisable Medieval European hilt form, offering the hand some protection while keeping the guard light.
Deepeeka offers this piece as part of our core Medieval heritage range.
Use for:
– Medieval knightly living history and one/two-hand sword technique practice
– HEMA study of period longsword and half-sword grip technique
– Museum-style display on a wall mount or stand
– Medieval-themed home decor and collections
– Historical events and Medieval fairs
– Film and theatre productions set in the High Medieval period
– Collectors of hand-and-a-half sword forms
