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Elmslie typology
The Elmslie typology is a system for classification and description of the single edged European bladed weapons of the late medieval and early baroque period, from around 1100 to 1550. It is designed to provide classification terminology for archaeological finds of single-edged arms, as well as visual depictions in art. It includes swords which are from the Europeans Middle Ages (approximately 11th through 16th centuries) and currently breaks them down into five main types, which each have several subtypes. Historian and bladesmith James Elmslie introduced the typology 2015, as a complement to the Oakeshott typology which covers double edged swords of the same periods.
Criteria for the typology were, in order of priority: That it should be simple enough for the basic system to be learnt and remembered without needing constant reference to the published source. That it should be possible to apply both to hands-on analysis of archaeological objects, and to manuscript depictions, photographic observations and similar art sources, where exact measurement is impossible. And that it should avoid re-inventing the wheel for elements already found in existing publications. For this principal reason, because falchions and single-edged swords usually follow the same construction and stylistic fashions as contemporary two-edged medieval swords, the primary elements of hilt construction are built upon the framework provided by the published work of Ewart Oakeshott: (The Sword in the Age of Chivalry)
The typological classification for single-edged arms follows the following sequence or formula:
Hilt construction: F/M/K, Blade Type 1-5 ( blade curvature notation - / 0 / + / ++ / +++ ), followed by Cross-guard style 1-14, and optional Nagel Shape Nx Pommel form A-Z. combined this forms a single description, for example, F3c (+), Style 7, form J1.
It is noted that Fullers or grooves in the blade are not classified under the typology - Instead they are intended to be left for supplemental notes. For example, the hypothetical sample blade F3c (+), Style 7, form J1 could be noted as "F3c (+), Style 7, form J1, One narrow fuller close to the spine", or "F3c (+), Style 7, form J1, Blade faces ground with three parallel fullers", as appropriate for any fullers it may exhibit. Fullers were intentionally omitted from the typology to keep the blade profiles at a manageable number, rather than having hundreds of possible variations based on different fuller configurations.
While single edged swords and fighting knives (seax) were used in Europe through the Viking period, they appear to have declined in popularity in the 10th century, with their use becoming close to extinct in the 11th century. It has been suggested the reason for this decline was through changes in religious dogma, which made such weapons unpopular amongst followers of Western Christianity. It has been noted that single edged arms in Scandinavian and Baltic regions which adopted Christianity later than western Europe retained the use of single-edged arms, before abandoning them on their own conversion to Christianity. For more than 200 years the predominant type of sword in Western Europe was straight and double edged, corresponding to the Oakeshott Typology Type X to XIII. The re-introduction of single edged arms began with the Type 1 blades in the early 13th century. These are characterized by short, but very broad blades, widening towards the tip.
Subtype 1a The classic shaped medieval falchion which, is seen in numerous medieval manuscripts and in several surviving archaeological examples (For example, Durham Cathedral's "Conyers falchion"). Most likely originating around 1230 AD, and perhaps remaining in use for 100 years, these blades are characterized by a flaring profile, and broad, abrupt tip.
Manuscript art indicates they may have been straight, or curved in either direction. Most Surviving examples however are only very gently curved on the spine. Although these blades have often been erroneously compared to modern machetes, due to the superficial similarities in profile, in cross section these swords began at a much thicker 4-5mm at the base of the blade, and tapered down to less than 2mm at the broadest point, dramatically changing their handling characteristics. Additionally their cross section is that of a wedge, with a primary bevel running from the apex all the way to the spine of the blade, making them highly effective cutting weapons against textiles or un-armoured targets.
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Elmslie typology
The Elmslie typology is a system for classification and description of the single edged European bladed weapons of the late medieval and early baroque period, from around 1100 to 1550. It is designed to provide classification terminology for archaeological finds of single-edged arms, as well as visual depictions in art. It includes swords which are from the Europeans Middle Ages (approximately 11th through 16th centuries) and currently breaks them down into five main types, which each have several subtypes. Historian and bladesmith James Elmslie introduced the typology 2015, as a complement to the Oakeshott typology which covers double edged swords of the same periods.
Criteria for the typology were, in order of priority: That it should be simple enough for the basic system to be learnt and remembered without needing constant reference to the published source. That it should be possible to apply both to hands-on analysis of archaeological objects, and to manuscript depictions, photographic observations and similar art sources, where exact measurement is impossible. And that it should avoid re-inventing the wheel for elements already found in existing publications. For this principal reason, because falchions and single-edged swords usually follow the same construction and stylistic fashions as contemporary two-edged medieval swords, the primary elements of hilt construction are built upon the framework provided by the published work of Ewart Oakeshott: (The Sword in the Age of Chivalry)
The typological classification for single-edged arms follows the following sequence or formula:
Hilt construction: F/M/K, Blade Type 1-5 ( blade curvature notation - / 0 / + / ++ / +++ ), followed by Cross-guard style 1-14, and optional Nagel Shape Nx Pommel form A-Z. combined this forms a single description, for example, F3c (+), Style 7, form J1.
It is noted that Fullers or grooves in the blade are not classified under the typology - Instead they are intended to be left for supplemental notes. For example, the hypothetical sample blade F3c (+), Style 7, form J1 could be noted as "F3c (+), Style 7, form J1, One narrow fuller close to the spine", or "F3c (+), Style 7, form J1, Blade faces ground with three parallel fullers", as appropriate for any fullers it may exhibit. Fullers were intentionally omitted from the typology to keep the blade profiles at a manageable number, rather than having hundreds of possible variations based on different fuller configurations.
While single edged swords and fighting knives (seax) were used in Europe through the Viking period, they appear to have declined in popularity in the 10th century, with their use becoming close to extinct in the 11th century. It has been suggested the reason for this decline was through changes in religious dogma, which made such weapons unpopular amongst followers of Western Christianity. It has been noted that single edged arms in Scandinavian and Baltic regions which adopted Christianity later than western Europe retained the use of single-edged arms, before abandoning them on their own conversion to Christianity. For more than 200 years the predominant type of sword in Western Europe was straight and double edged, corresponding to the Oakeshott Typology Type X to XIII. The re-introduction of single edged arms began with the Type 1 blades in the early 13th century. These are characterized by short, but very broad blades, widening towards the tip.
Subtype 1a The classic shaped medieval falchion which, is seen in numerous medieval manuscripts and in several surviving archaeological examples (For example, Durham Cathedral's "Conyers falchion"). Most likely originating around 1230 AD, and perhaps remaining in use for 100 years, these blades are characterized by a flaring profile, and broad, abrupt tip.
Manuscript art indicates they may have been straight, or curved in either direction. Most Surviving examples however are only very gently curved on the spine. Although these blades have often been erroneously compared to modern machetes, due to the superficial similarities in profile, in cross section these swords began at a much thicker 4-5mm at the base of the blade, and tapered down to less than 2mm at the broadest point, dramatically changing their handling characteristics. Additionally their cross section is that of a wedge, with a primary bevel running from the apex all the way to the spine of the blade, making them highly effective cutting weapons against textiles or un-armoured targets.
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