Italian Storta

Jim McDougall · 1st February 2023, 11:54 PM

Thank you for the kind words Victrix!

As Mark notes, these were closely related to the European dusagge (and variations dubbed 'Sinclair' sabers) and the Italian storta was certainly a key influence. Italian weapons and styles were often notably copied in other European arms making centers.

Italian trade was also prevalent in many primary trade routes and sectors, so the transference of these weapons into other contexts was not only possible,but likely. Many Spanish arms of the 'conquistadors' of this period and later were actually Italian either in make or design. However in their case it was the rapiers, armor and helmets most prevalent.

The extended shell guard on this storta is compelling, and as seen, resembles the type of guard on the sword held in this popular illustration. The 'cutlass' was not necessarily made distinctly as a 'cutlass' but any shorter, stout bladed sword would easily serve in that capacity.

It seems that in some references, I have seen that pirates in some cases may have even referred to their swords colloquially as, 'their shell'.

Piracy was indeed well known in the Mediterranean, and the corsairs ranged in wider scope than often realized.

1st February 2023, 11:54 PM	#18
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Thank you for the kind words Victrix! As Mark notes, these were closely related to the European dusagge (and variations dubbed 'Sinclair' sabers) and the Italian storta was certainly a key influence. Italian weapons and styles were often notably copied in other European arms making centers. Italian trade was also prevalent in many primary trade routes and sectors, so the transference of these weapons into other contexts was not only possible,but likely. Many Spanish arms of the 'conquistadors' of this period and later were actually Italian either in make or design. However in their case it was the rapiers, armor and helmets most prevalent. The extended shell guard on this storta is compelling, and as seen, resembles the type of guard on the sword held in this popular illustration. The 'cutlass' was not necessarily made distinctly as a 'cutlass' but any shorter, stout bladed sword would easily serve in that capacity. It seems that in some references, I have seen that pirates in some cases may have even referred to their swords colloquially as, 'their shell'. Piracy was indeed well known in the Mediterranean, and the corsairs ranged in wider scope than often realized.