Swords and scabbards...

[seaweasel]

So I have been thinking about scabbards and their feasibility on the field of battle. To those of you whom have studied some of the treatises on Elizabethan swordplay, do they mention the scabbard anywhere, and if so, which documents? What did one do with one's scabbard while fighting? Do they mention their construction? Do you guys have any

Comments

[scotis_man]

The only mentions I can recall seeing in the fighting manuals were of using it as a parrying device. This would be for single combat, though. There are wood cuts of field battles with scabbarded weapons, however.

[seaweasel]

Any particular woodcuts I should look at?

[scotis_man]

Sorry that I never got back about this.
John Derrick, "Image of Ireland" is the main one I was thinking of.

[starcannibal]

Most of the treatise and manuals don't mention the scabbard unless they are discussing the drawing of the sword. In European treatise and manuals that comes down to perhaps a paragraph or two within a couple of the Italian ones. I believe Marozzo is one

[seaweasel]

OK, so if it is sitting on your hip, and you are all active and fierce and fighty, doesn't it get in your way? I am guessing it is sort of a pain to fight with it on your hip, especially in battle conditions. For you personally, what has been your experience while fighting?

I will keep looking around for info, but I really appreciate you helping me. *mwah*

[starryshadows]

If you're looking specifically for Elizabethan swordplay here, I can only give you generalities. Scabbards were typically plain leather for the most common blades. As you got richer, your scabbard was wood, often leather-wrapped, sometimes reinforced with bits of metal. Fully metal scabbards were rare, but not unheard-of

[seaweasel]

Do you have any suggestions for books with the information you gave me in the first paragraph? I just want to do some more research, but don't know where to start.

Fanks!