User:Gkneiselwiki/sandbox

Testing bold and linking

Temporary

(Greek: αὐτόφάγειν, from αὐτό, auto “self” + φάγειν, phagein “to eat”)

Objective

My objective in the expansion of this article is to expand it into a functional quick reference that would allow any individual familiar with the basic components of a sword (pommel,crossguard,blade,tang) to classify a sword that distinctly falls within one of the types. Additionally, I would like to add an "External links" section to the base of the article connecting to other types swords that do not fall within Oakeshott's Typology. Important among these links will be the "pommel" especially, since Oakeshott also classified pommel types, as seen in the pommel article. It may be appropriate to bring a reference set of images and labels to this article as well.

Proposed additions to Oakeshott Typology page

• Find images corresponding to each subtype.
• Expand on existing definitions.
• Increase the amount of hyperlinks on page.

Article format copy

(Title Section)

Among the many reasons for his Typology, Oakeshott found date classification as unreliable at the time his research was conducted. He suggested that trade, warfare, various exchanges in combination with the longevity of the weapons, obscured the date of manufacture, use, and retirement.

Criteria of definition

Several factors are used to distinguish the types, among them blade characteristics such as cross section, length and the taper of the blade toward the tip. For purposes of description, Oakeshott refered to the tip of the blade as the bottom, and end of the pommel as the top. This orientation is inspired by his observation that many blades bearing inscriptions and sigils had to be oriented this way to be read correctly.

Different blade cross-sections. At the top, variants of the diamond shape. At the bottom, variants of the lenticular shape. The bottom right shows fullers, grooves in the blade to reduce weight while maintaining strength.

Oakeshott types

Type X

Albion Bayeux Medieval Sword 5 (6092767150) Note the disk shape pommel and long fuller that extend near to the end of the blade.

"this referring to the strong taper of the tang, not any visible characteristic of the pommel"-note added to clarify other author's mention of "spike hilt".

Type XII

Type XII, Sword of Saint Maurice, replica by Peter Johnsson, 2005

Type XIII

Depiction of Oakeshott Type XIII from the Tenison (Alphonso) psalter

Type XXI

Sword Vinkler XIV c.

Broad heavily tapering swords, similar to the fasionable Italian civilian Cinquedea of the late 15th century. Somewhat longer and less broad than the cinquedea. Commonly presents with two or more fullers that continue nearly the full length of the blade. Also usually features downward(toward the blade) curved cross(quillions). The distinction away from an Cinquedea is largely based on size alone.

Type XXII

Sword Boeheim Dresden, a somewhat atypical presentation of it's archetype due to the pronounced midrib, distinctive Chappe(rain guard) and straight quillions.

Broad flat blades, some sharing a moderate to heavy taper with Type XXII though not as heavily or consistently. These are often flat/spatulate in cross section with the exception of 1-2 narrow fullers that only extend a short distance beyond the handle. The proportions, history of surviving examples, an often ornate decoration indicate these may have mostly served a ceremonial role more than as weapons of war. Mid 1400's-1500's.

Eliminated references

References to ::The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry:: will likely be needed, I will have to obtain a copy via a library, some limited access to this text seems to be available via amazon.com

https://royalarmouries.org/collection/ Will likely be a strong authoritative source on the subject. I have yet to find a "contact us" section though, searching Oakeshott in their image archive reveals a treasure trove of swords classified by type. It is worth noting (this will likely have to be added to the article somewhere) that the Typology is something of a neologism, not a contemporary system of classification at the time of the weapons' dominance. As such Oakeshott's authority on the subject may be slightly questionable, though the acceptance of his system by the Tower of London, one of the largest collections of medieval and and archaic weapons in the world (citation needed) should bolster the authority of this. Further exploring indicated to see if Tower of London will permit photos to be utilized in Wiki Commons/ wikipedia.