four foot rapier blades ???

fernando · 21st November 2021, 11:39 AM

Swords "off mark" (fora de marca) were those with more than 5 spans (palmos) with 43" full length, as per law published by King Dom João III in 1539. It is known that swords with a longer length abounded; some where up to 7 spans (over 60"), a length that became famous in those days.

If you deduct the guard+pommel to this, you get your four foot.

(3 Rapiers courtesy Algredo Nobre; Dom João III law collection Rainer Daehnhardt).

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21st November 2021, 11:39 AM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	In Portugal ... Swords "off mark" (fora de marca) were those with more than 5 spans (palmos) with 43" full length, as per law published by King Dom João III in 1539. It is known that swords with a longer length abounded; some where up to 7 spans (over 60"), a length that became famous in those days. If you deduct the guard+pommel to this, you get your four foot. (3 Rapiers courtesy Algredo Nobre; Dom João III law collection Rainer Daehnhardt). . Attached Images Last edited by fernando; 21st November 2021 at 11:54 AM.