Videos tagged with Baselard

This video details the identification of a Swiss Baselard from the River Thames, originally miscataloged as English. Assistant Curator Scot Hurst explains the defining characteristics of Baselards, particularly the H-shaped grip, and contrasts European and Swiss styles. The analysis highlights the importance of grip curvature, blade cross-section, and the presence of ferrous metal caps on Swiss examples. Crucially, a Germanic inscription and a maker's mark linked to Zurich solidify its Swiss origin, offering a deep dive into historical weapon classification and terminology.

This lecture delves into the classification and history of the Baselard, specifically focusing on a Swiss variant (Class 9 3482) in the Royal Armouries collection. It explores the defining characteristics of European versus Swiss Baselards, including hilt construction, blade types, and terminology. The research suggests a Swiss origin for the analyzed piece, supported by a maker's mark and stylistic analysis, challenging previous English cataloging.