I like how they display them quite a lot. If you have a ton of swords, I prefer simple racks, ones that I can view from the other side as well if possible. It sure beats keeping them in drawers somewhere.
And if anyone from Museo Stibbert sees this, I want to visit the museum more, not less, after seeing these photos. Not only do you should allow photos, but you should start an online catalogue.
You should look into the Stibbert. He was born a wealthy Victorian-era man and, like many during that time, turned his house into a presenation/museum. Unlike people such as William H. Riggs, Stibbert's collection is still in his house and displayed similar to the somewhat messy/busy way they used to be.
He also employed artisans to repair or recreate things that were falling apart, so the clothing, shoes, etc are rather accurate as well.
And the sidesword with the chunky blade, the one on the right... That fluted style grip should feel amazing in the hand. No bottom quillon, bent top quillon... you'll see a painting with this style soon. ;)
It's really hard to settle on one idea, I have the same problem when I consider what to add to my fencing bag. I often pick slight oddities for myself nowdays so that I can do a bit of explorative speculation.
It’s really between a hilt/sword that i don’t own an example of, or a hilt/sword to replace my go-to tournament rapier and a matching dagger. I’ve had my two ring swept hilt for at least 26 years now, and it may be time to retire it.
That is a tricky choice. My gut instinct is to ask, could any sword adequately fill the role of the 26 year year relationship you have with that sword, without seeming awkward and obtrusive? It's a problem I discuss a lot with fencers. I usually suggest making some sort of change rather than a carbon copy style, so that there is something to learn and adapt to in the new sword. It is a complex affair.
Oh I have a few antiques. I posted about two of them this last summer when I was on vacation. I'm not actively looking for more, right now - but the only one I'd consider adding to my collection in the near future is a sidesword of a few possible types in good condition.
I've actually considered focusing more on collecting 16th century "parrying" daggers.
Sorry, reading my comment again, I wasn't clear. I was curious if Chris collects antiques, since a swordsmith doing that brings a different perspective on the collecting hobby.
Besides, I remember your show and tell post from last summer, or the regret expressed in autumn about not going for a different rapier. ;)
Btw, 16th century "parrying" daggers may not be the worst idea. I think they are still relatively affordable compared to good side-swords or rapiers.
I have a few but I don't really have a collector's income, I explore the ones I have and am lucky enough to handle a few dozen swords in armouries each year.
You have on your webpage, I think related to your portfolio, pictures where you analyse museum originals together with other people. Not going to lie, I'm 10% jealous seeing that, and 90% happy that you get the chance (also because I strongly believe that swordsmiths should get preferential treatment in this regard for the benefit of us all).
Handling an antique is so informative. UK antique fairs are the best in this regard, and there I had the chance to handle pieces that would be out of my price range to own.
In my perfect world, there would be a system where one would get points for promoting the sword (from making them to using them, and looking at the micro-history related to them), which then could be redeemed at museums around the world for handling time of the antique sword of choice. :)
David, do you agree that the cup-hilts shown above are rapiers optimised for the Italian fencing style? That's my impression looking at the blade and the size of the grips. Some people automatically think of cup-hilts as being Spanish, when in fact Italians were using this more protective hilt as well once it was developed.
Naturally, I would still prefer a swept-hilt for an Italian look and a cup or shell hilt (with a short grip) for a Spanish flavour, but both fencing traditions used both types of hilts.
Oh heart, stand still!
I like how they display them quite a lot. If you have a ton of swords, I prefer simple racks, ones that I can view from the other side as well if possible. It sure beats keeping them in drawers somewhere.
And if anyone from Museo Stibbert sees this, I want to visit the museum more, not less, after seeing these photos. Not only do you should allow photos, but you should start an online catalogue.
You should look into the Stibbert. He was born a wealthy Victorian-era man and, like many during that time, turned his house into a presenation/museum. Unlike people such as William H. Riggs, Stibbert's collection is still in his house and displayed similar to the somewhat messy/busy way they used to be.
He also employed artisans to repair or recreate things that were falling apart, so the clothing, shoes, etc are rather accurate as well.
And the sidesword with the chunky blade, the one on the right... That fluted style grip should feel amazing in the hand. No bottom quillon, bent top quillon... you'll see a painting with this style soon. ;)
Wow! Thanks for a great Christmas present, many lovely hilts to study here. Good wishes into the new year!
Anything I can do to help you make fabulous stuff, you know I will! I still haven't decided what custom sword I want to commission from you, though...
It's really hard to settle on one idea, I have the same problem when I consider what to add to my fencing bag. I often pick slight oddities for myself nowdays so that I can do a bit of explorative speculation.
It’s really between a hilt/sword that i don’t own an example of, or a hilt/sword to replace my go-to tournament rapier and a matching dagger. I’ve had my two ring swept hilt for at least 26 years now, and it may be time to retire it.
That is a tricky choice. My gut instinct is to ask, could any sword adequately fill the role of the 26 year year relationship you have with that sword, without seeming awkward and obtrusive? It's a problem I discuss a lot with fencers. I usually suggest making some sort of change rather than a carbon copy style, so that there is something to learn and adapt to in the new sword. It is a complex affair.
Do you also collect antiques, or are you trying to avoid going down that rabbit hole?
Oh I have a few antiques. I posted about two of them this last summer when I was on vacation. I'm not actively looking for more, right now - but the only one I'd consider adding to my collection in the near future is a sidesword of a few possible types in good condition.
I've actually considered focusing more on collecting 16th century "parrying" daggers.
Sorry, reading my comment again, I wasn't clear. I was curious if Chris collects antiques, since a swordsmith doing that brings a different perspective on the collecting hobby.
Besides, I remember your show and tell post from last summer, or the regret expressed in autumn about not going for a different rapier. ;)
Btw, 16th century "parrying" daggers may not be the worst idea. I think they are still relatively affordable compared to good side-swords or rapiers.
I have a few but I don't really have a collector's income, I explore the ones I have and am lucky enough to handle a few dozen swords in armouries each year.
You have on your webpage, I think related to your portfolio, pictures where you analyse museum originals together with other people. Not going to lie, I'm 10% jealous seeing that, and 90% happy that you get the chance (also because I strongly believe that swordsmiths should get preferential treatment in this regard for the benefit of us all).
Handling an antique is so informative. UK antique fairs are the best in this regard, and there I had the chance to handle pieces that would be out of my price range to own.
In my perfect world, there would be a system where one would get points for promoting the sword (from making them to using them, and looking at the micro-history related to them), which then could be redeemed at museums around the world for handling time of the antique sword of choice. :)
David, do you agree that the cup-hilts shown above are rapiers optimised for the Italian fencing style? That's my impression looking at the blade and the size of the grips. Some people automatically think of cup-hilts as being Spanish, when in fact Italians were using this more protective hilt as well once it was developed.
Naturally, I would still prefer a swept-hilt for an Italian look and a cup or shell hilt (with a short grip) for a Spanish flavour, but both fencing traditions used both types of hilts.
That one display with all the swords and the little suit of armor messed with my sense of scale for a second.