|
| 
The College selects its weaponry from reputable suppliers from around the world. In general terms, students commence with a proscribed low cost Rapier & Dagger set and once familiar with their particular requirements purchase a high quality reproduction. The swords shown below is indicative of those weapon types taught as part of the ACA Weapon Syllabus.
:: SWORD ::
This sword is an example of an Oakeshott Type XVI fitted with a 'J' type pommel and is representative of those swords would have been found on the battlefields of Western Europe from the late 13th century onwards. The sword was normally taught in conjunction with shield and buckler and had by the turn of the 14th century become a well-established discipline in Schools of Defence. The value of sword and buckler training continued well into the 17th century; although later forms of Renaissance era swords came to supplant older medieval designs. The best representative example of this particular design is the sword of Edward III dated circa AD1350.
:: LONGSWORD ::
The Longsword family of weapons developed from Upper Medieval era swords that were able to accommodate a two handed grip. The Longsword family, that includes the Great Swords and Bastard Swords, was rapidly adopted by Masters of Defence from the 14th century onwards and is particularly associated with the Italian and German Schools of Defence. This design is based upon a 14th century Italian design that would have been contemporary with Masters such as Fiore dei Liberi. The Longsword family would give rise to true Two Handed Swords by the turn of the 16th century.
:: RAPIER ::
The Rapier and Dagger method of combat emerged during the second half of the 16th century and by the end of that century came to dominate the art of personal combat; at least in fashionable circles of Western European society. This design is Italian dated AD1605 and is representative of the swept hilt family of Rapiers; so named because of the distinctive 'sweeping' appearance of the hilt arrangement. This particular Rapier is reflective in the works of such Masters as Fabri and Capo Ferro and which was designed for predominantly thrusting swordplay.
| 
|
