Pommel: Difference between revisions
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A '''pommel''' is a counterweight added to the end of a [[sword]]. Predominately [[iron]] or [[steel]] but also of [[bronze]] and even |
A '''pommel''' is a counterweight added to the end of a [[sword]]. Predominately [[iron]] or [[steel]] but also of [[bronze]] and even precious [[metal]]s and crystal are known at various times. |
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Pommels might have incised or inlaid decorations but this is very rare after about the [[11th century]]. |
Pommels might have incised or inlaid decorations but this is very rare after about the [[11th century]]. |
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==Sword Pommel Shapes== |
==Sword Pommel Shapes== |
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The shapes vary considerably. Some examples of types are mentioned below: |
[[image:vikinghilts.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Replica Viking hilts showing cocked hat and lobed pommels.]]The shapes vary considerably. Some examples of types are mentioned below: |
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* tea cosy - a flat, semi circular pommel. [[Viking |
* tea cosy - a flat, semi circular pommel. [[Viking]] Age [[Europe]]. |
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* lobed - three, five and seven lobes. [[Viking |
* lobed - three, five and seven lobes. [[Viking]] Age [[Europe]]. |
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* cocked hat - pommel curves away from the [[hilt]] and opposite the bend of the [[crossguard]]. [[Viking |
* cocked hat - pommel curves away from the [[hilt]] and opposite the bend of the [[crossguard]]. [[Viking]] Age [[Europe]]. |
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* trilobite (three lobe) - very popular in [[10th century|]] and [[11th century]] [[Denmark|Danish]] [[sword]]s. This type extends to [[Spain]] at the same time |
* trilobite (three lobe) - very popular in [[10th century|10th]] and [[11th century]] [[Denmark|Danish]] [[sword]]s. This type extends to [[Spain]] at the same time |
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* brazil nut - sideways attached 'nut'. Appears at the end of the [[10th century]] and remains in use until well into the [[13th century]]. Some of these were made of [bronze]] |
* brazil nut - sideways attached 'nut'. Appears at the end of the [[10th century]] and remains in use until well into the [[13th century]]. Some of these were made of [[bronze]] |
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* disc - flattish [[iron]] disc. Appears at the end of the [[10th century to be replaced by 'true' wheel pommels. |
* disc - flattish [[iron]] disc. Appears at the end of the [[10th century]] to be replaced by 'true' wheel pommels. |
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[[image:pommel.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Replica 15th arming sword with fishtail pommel.]] |
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* wheel - a thick disc shaped pommel (oftimes dished on the side)that replaced the flat disc in the [[12th century]] beginning in southern [[Europe]] possibly spreading with returning [[Crusades|Crusaders]]. Some of these were made of [[bronze]] or rock crystal. |
* wheel - a thick disc shaped pommel (oftimes dished on the side)that replaced the flat disc in the [[12th century]] beginning in southern [[Europe]] possibly spreading with returning [[Crusades|Crusaders]]. Some of these were made of [[bronze]] or rock crystal. |
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* ball - solid ball. Appearing in the [[13th century]] and found in use beyond the [[17th century]]. |
* ball - solid ball. Appearing in the [[13th century]] and found in use beyond the [[17th century]]. |
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* pear - shaped as such. [[15th century]] |
* pear - shaped as such. [[15th century]] |
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* kite - shaped as such [[15th century]] |
* kite - shaped as such [[15th century]] |
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* fishtail - a stylised fish tail shape. [15th century]] |
* fishtail - a stylised fish tail shape. [[15th century]] |
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* cylinder - a cylinder of [[steel]] or [[iron]] that might be tapered. Found on [[rapier]]s from the [[16th century|16th]] and [[17th century]]. |
* cylinder - a cylinder of [[steel]] or [[iron]] that might be tapered. Found on [[rapier]]s from the [[16th century|16th]] and [[17th century]]. |
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Latest revision as of 17:42, 11 March 2006
A pommel is a counterweight added to the end of a sword. Predominately iron or steel but also of bronze and even precious metals and crystal are known at various times.
Pommels might have incised or inlaid decorations but this is very rare after about the 11th century.
The equivalent end of a dagger might also be termed a pommel.
Sword Pommel Shapes
The shapes vary considerably. Some examples of types are mentioned below:
- tea cosy - a flat, semi circular pommel. Viking Age Europe.
- lobed - three, five and seven lobes. Viking Age Europe.
- cocked hat - pommel curves away from the hilt and opposite the bend of the crossguard. Viking Age Europe.
- trilobite (three lobe) - very popular in 10th and 11th century Danish swords. This type extends to Spain at the same time
- brazil nut - sideways attached 'nut'. Appears at the end of the 10th century and remains in use until well into the 13th century. Some of these were made of bronze
- disc - flattish iron disc. Appears at the end of the 10th century to be replaced by 'true' wheel pommels.
- wheel - a thick disc shaped pommel (oftimes dished on the side)that replaced the flat disc in the 12th century beginning in southern Europe possibly spreading with returning Crusaders. Some of these were made of bronze or rock crystal.
- ball - solid ball. Appearing in the 13th century and found in use beyond the 17th century.
- trefoil - three circular shapes. Appearing in the 13th century but mainly gone by the end of the 14th.
- pear - shaped as such. 15th century
- kite - shaped as such 15th century
- fishtail - a stylised fish tail shape. 15th century
- cylinder - a cylinder of steel or iron that might be tapered. Found on rapiers from the 16th and 17th century.
