Schiavona Gawaine, 16-17 cen, class B

Schiavona Gawaine, 16^th - 17^th century

Sword class B.

• Total length approx. 975mm
• Blade length approx. 789mm
• Dimensions of the basket approx. 215 * 144 * 180mm
• The basket is made of approx. 2.5mm thick steel
• Width of the blade at the basket approx. 42mm
• Blade thickness at the basket approx. 5.0mm
• Width of the blade 10cm off the blade point approx. 20.3mm
• Blade thickness 10cm off the blade point approx. 4.1mm
• Thickness of the cutting edge approx. 1.8mm
• The Point of Balance (PoB) is approx. 5.5cm in front of the basket
• The central fuller is approx. 10mm wide and approx. 442mm long
• Dimensions of the pommel approx. 62.6 * 57.9 * 25mm
• Weight of the Schiavona without scabbard approx. 1840 g
• Blade made of spring steel DIN 1.7103, oil-quenched to approx. 52-54 HRC.

Due to manual finalization, the specifications given above may vary slightly from item to item. Made in the Czech Republic.

Please read also our Directions for the use of bladed weapons.

The Schiavona was a Renaissance sword that became popular in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries. Stemming from the 16th-century sword of the Balkan mercenaries who formed the bodyguard of the Doge of Venice, the name came from the fact that the guard consisted largely of the Schiavoni, Istrian and Dalmatian Slavs. It was widely recognisable for its "cat's-head pommel" and distinctive handguard made up of many leaf-shaped brass or iron bars that was attached to the cross-bar and knucklebow rather than the pommel.

The schiavona became popular among the armies of those who traded with Italy during the 17th century and was the weapon of choice for many heavy cavalry. It was popular among mercenary soldiers and wealthy civilians alike; examples decorated with gilding and precious stones were imported by the upper classes to be worn as a combination of fashion accessory and defensive weapon.