One of the leading search terms that brings novice FencingClassics readers to our site is “topless fencing”.
Who’d'a thunk?
And since we thrive on giving people what they want, we’re happy to oblige… with images of duels between women in various stages of dress and undress… Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, 20th Century, Epee, fencing art, Foil, Images
Tagged 19th-century duel, 19th-century fencing, 19th-century photography, amberger collection, art photography, bayard, cabinet cards, epee fencing, female duel, female fencing, foil fencing, nude duel, nude fencing, nude women fencing, woman fencers
Collectors of modern sports weapons face a bit of a dilemma. It’s almost impossible to tell a piece of recent scrap metal found in the back of the club armory from a weapon with at least budding historical value.
Luckily, some old fencing equipment catalogs provide a clue at dating and contextual placement. Like the 1938 catalog of Vince Fencing Equipment, Inc., which provides some clues to early sports sabers… Continue reading
For some reason, we missed the publication of this great resource two years ago.
Which doesn’t diminish the quality and relevance of this first-ever publication of Talhoffer’s Königsegger Codex at all… Continue reading
A restored Roman helmet…
A mass grave of beheaded Jomsviking mercenaries…
The remains of a high-ranking warrior, along with his sword, axe and other items…
Here’s a challenge for the habitual SHotS reader: Try not to read more than one of these news flashes from the past… Continue reading
Yes, we know. We really shouldn’t. We’re spoiling you rotten.
But heck, you just might learn something! Today, we’re giving away your free access to Rouen, France-based master of the stick, staff, kicking boot and fist Leboucher’s 1843 manual.
We can afford such generosity because someone else’s already paid for putting it online… Continue reading
A Happy V-Day to you, too!
Happy Viking Sword Day, that is…
A few lucky construction workers in Melhus, Norway, stumbled over a piece of rusted metal that made their hearts beat faster… Continue reading
Posted in Swords in the News, Viking Age, Weapons
Tagged melhus, viking sword, wikingerschwert
When I was a young lad in Berlin, we had no such thing. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Nestlé and Fleurop, even my German compatriots are now encouraged to buy candy and flowers, and purchase a sappy, raunchy or—they say—even classy card on Valentine’s Day.
Nothing wrong with that.
So why not throw in a tender yet timeless story about this festive occasion into the FencingClassics mix.
A word of caution: We have no idea where the author got the notion that things can happen that way. He sounds credible.
Happy Valentine’s Day, you crazy kids. Continue reading
To the hardcore xiphomachophiliac, there’s only one thing better than finding a great old sword.
Finding a great old sword that once belonged to a great old man.
Looks like an enterprising diver and treasure hunter has entered sword nirvana. He claims to have found a sword in an ancient shipwreck.
A sword that can be traced back directly to Admiral Nelson… Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Swords in the News
Tagged Admiral nelson, daily telegraph, hms victoria, mark ellyatt, nelson sword
Since we just reviewed and edited this posting and still have one more article on Italian-style sports saber in the pipeline, we’ve decided to make this “Eye-talian Saber Week” at SHotS Fencing Classics…
Posted in 19th Century, fencing, Saber
Tagged gaugler, leg cut, parise, pecoraro, pessina, radaelli, saber fencing, sciabola, Science of fencing, scuola magistrale, slipping the leg
