Why Collect a Broadsword?

Seeing a sword hung on the wall is classy. Even better is a display of two crossed swords as in a family coat of arms. But instead of a picture of a painted picture, real swords are stylish, cool and show old world class.

Which swords are the best for this kind of a display? The best sword to choose is a broadsword. It's a double edged blade up to 4 feet long or more. The blade can be 1 to over 2 inches wide. The hilts can be anywhere from plain to elaborately decorated with scrolling, family coat of arms or encrusted with jewels. There were hilts made with a basket around them to protect the fighter's hand.

Some of these swords could only be handled with both hands, while shorter ones called bastard swords could be handled with one.

They are a symbol of power from days gone by. Real men handled them. They could cut through flesh and bone, armor and chain mail. These swords open a door, stop a horse and get someone's attention quick.

Broadswords from Around The World and Throughout History

Every culture that had body armor had a form of broadswords. They went by different names: Dao in China, Claymore in Scotland, Bastard sword in England, Arming sword during the Middle Ages and broadsword in most of Europe. Even the Romans had them. No matter what name they were called they were the apex weapon of the individual fighting man.

It's easy to understand why someone would want to collect them. For an appreciation of history, the bragging rights of saying you have one or for their beauty. Some are truly amazing works of art.

Today's collector has a wide range of choices. They can select a sword from a particular country and choose from a specific era or region. Different swordsmiths had their own signature marks and style, just as they do today.