Any specialist in knives knows the Polish saber. Well, those who are just joining this magnificent hobby will probably be interested in learning more about these weapons: what is interesting when it appeared, what advantages it has, and much more. We will try to answer all these questions as detailed as possible.
How did she look
In fact, the Polish saber has exactly the same structure as dozens of other types of cold bladed weapons of its time. Unlike Western and Central Europe, where swords gradually turned into rapiers and swords, in East, this heavy weapon was replaced by a saber. She was perfect not only for cavalry, but also for infantry. In addition, Polish troops quite often had to fight with the Russian Empire and no less - with the Ottoman Empire.
After the heavy armor became obsolete in Europe, replacing weighty and clumsy swords required a lighter weapon, characterized by maneuverability, capable of destroying the enemy without powerful protection. In Poland, it was precisely the saber.
It looked simple - a light hilt, a classic guard and a long curved (the degree of curvature was slightly different depending on the requirements of the soldiers and the blacksmith's idea of the best weapon) blade.
When appeared
The Hungarian-Polish saber came into service closer to the end of the XVI century - the year in 1580. Why is this formidable weapon called double? Because, in fact, it was Hungary that was his homeland.
In 1576, Stefan Batory, the Transylvanian prince, ascended the throne of Poland. He introduced fashion to everything Hungarian, from clothing (the middle class and upper class hastily updated the wardrobe so as not to lag behind the main man in the kingdom) to weapons.
The main innovation in this field was the Polish saber, a photo of which you can see in the article. She came to the taste of many ordinary soldiers and officers. In addition, this weapon proved to be excellent in many skirmishes with the Turks. Therefore, the innovation was enthusiastically accepted and today this weapon is a matter of pride for many Poles who know their history well. And the Polish saber fencing school developed successfully, turning into a real art.
Approximate dimensions and weight
Of course, it is impossible to indicate the exact length and weight of the weapon - it depended on the growth, strength and strength of the fighters who fought with them. In addition, there were no uniform weapon standards at that time, and they were not needed. Therefore, some kind of discrepancy has always occurred, even if we were talking about fairly similar samples.
On average, the length of the blade part ranged from 77 to 88 centimeters. A longer weapon would have too much weight, and cutting them would be inconvenient - it would have to dampen inertia, and the saber was distinguished precisely by its lightness and maneuverability. Well, a shortened blade did not allow to reach the enemy with a longer weapon.
The mass also fluctuated - most often from 800 grams to 1 kilogram. But still, the weapon was much lighter than the classic one-handed sword, which weighed one and a half to two times more than this saber.
The scabbard was often richly decorated (most often by wealthy gentry), but even the simplest samples weighed at least 500 grams.
Why did they get such popularity
Sources of the time claimed that the Hungarian-Polish saber was the best example of cold steel for its era. And many modern studies confirm this fact.
Let's start with its lightness - the weight of not more than a kilogram made it possible not only to quickly change the angle of impact or to stop the weapon without making a strike, but also allowed the owner to be less tired - because battles often lasted for many hours. In addition, the thickening at the end of the blade provided a truly terrible blow - with a successful swing, the armless opponent had no chance.
It is also important that the weapon was perfectly suitable for delivering various attacks. Of course, thanks to the form, the saber was best suited for the powerful cutting blows, which the Polish cavalry was famous for. But a blow from the shoulder with a subsequent delay also made it possible to destroy the enemy, or at least inflict a terrible wound on him, after which it was very difficult to recover.
Finally, the pointed tip of the not too curved blades allowed stabbing, if necessary, due to which the fencing of the Polish saber was significantly enriched. Opponents, especially the Turks, did not expect such a reception from the seemingly familiar weapons. So, the soldiers armed with such sabers had an important trump card in their sleeves, often allowing them to emerge victorious from the battle.
Thanks to this, the Polish saber gained such popularity. The 17th century was marked by a series of warriors with the Ottoman Empire: in 1620-1621, 1633-1634, 1666-1671, 1672-1676, and also 1683-1699.
Who armed them
Another important plus of the weapon is its versatility. It was perfect for both the richest segments of the population and ordinary soldiers. Of course, the first ones tried to make weapons to order, so that it fully corresponded to the strength, endurance and complexion of the owner. In addition, in this case, the scabbard and hilt were carefully decorated. Well, ordinary soldiers were pleased with the weapons that were issued by the state - there could be no talk of any jewelry.
The saber was used not only by infantry, but also by cavalry. True, in the latter case, preference was given to curved blades - thanks to them, the most terrible blows could be applied to the gallop, practically cutting the enemy in half. But in a foot battle, she showed herself well. Yes, experienced fighters tried to choose a weapon with a relatively even blade, but a certain bend was also welcomed - the craftsmen could strike instantly, barely pulling the saber out of its scabbard, without a strong swing. In this situation, the Polish infantry saber saved a whole second, thus saving the owner's life.
What does it look like classic sabers
If you look at the blade, then even the most experienced expert will not be able to name the fundamental differences from other sabers, which are widespread in many countries of the world.
Indeed, everything is pretty standard here. As with any saber, the blade had several parts:
- The tip is the upper weighted part, usually located at an angle to the rest of the blade. Has a pointed end used for stabbing, as well as reinforcing chopping punches in the next part. Sometimes it was sharpened from two sides to facilitate penetration into the body of the enemy with piercing blows.
- Strength is the middle of the blade that has been sharpened most carefully. The convex side was usually used to inflict a crushing chopping blow, crumbling the enemy in half.
- The base is about the first third of the hilt to strength. It was practically not used for strikes - enemy attacks were often taken on it.
As you can see, everything is pretty standard here. But interesting differences will come next.
The main difference from other sabers
As you know, a saber consists of two elements - a blade and a hilt with a handle. If the blade of the Polish saber is no different from the usual, then the difference lies in the hilt and hilt. The way it is.
It was remarkable for its amazing simplicity and compactness, effectively protecting the soldier’s hand, while at the same time practically not increasing the weight of the weapon. Of course, there were a huge number of modifications, but all of them in one way or another belong to one of the three existing categories:
- Open - the saber was supplied only with the simplest cross, like swords.
- Half-closed - the crosspiece bent at a right angle, passing into the arch, but not reaching the top. Such a bend eliminated the possibility of a chopping strike on the fingers.
- Closed - the guard was equipped with additional arms, forming a kind of basket, like European swords.
Of course, such differences are of the greatest interest for professionals and people who are seriously interested in the history of cold steel weapons in Europe. But such trifles isolated Polish weapons in a separate form.
How the Polish Saber became Armenian
Quite often in various sources you can find the mention of the Armenian saber. However, with a thorough study or comparison of photographs, it turns out that it is absolutely no different from the Polish one described above. How did it happen that a Polish saber suddenly became Armenian?
In fact, the answer is as simple as possible. At one time, the threat of capture by the Turks loomed over Armenia. And the cruelty of these invaders was well known to everyone - men were destroyed, as well as old people, women and children were raped and stolen.
Therefore, in a dangerous situation, many thousands of Armenians chose not to defend their country, but simply to flee to a safer place, which at that time was Poland.
Arriving at the place, many decided to acquire weapons, but the Polish saber was the most affordable at that time. Armenian men walked with them, and soon such a saber came up with another nickname - Armenian.
What armed the hussars
Hussars were rightly considered the pride of Poland. Mobile, well-trained, courageous, they could bring considerable fear to any enemy. They liked the Polish hussar saber especially. Accelerating at high speed, the hussars, thanks to training, easily demolished their heads, chopped off their hands, chopped the enemy from shoulder to seat.
Often the scabbard got off with black leather - this was a sign of belonging to elite troops. From here a new term appeared - the Polish black saber. Well, it’s stupid to argue - the hussars shed a lot of enemy blood, defending the borders of their native country.
Varieties of sabers
Like any popular weapon, over time, the Polish saber changed slightly, adapting to the needs of specific owners, and at times lost its original properties, acquiring new, more suitable ones in return. However, there were simply narrow specializations that received new names.
So, "costume" was widespread - a saber that had a rectangular finger arch. They were especially popular at the end of the 18th century, shortly before the saber as such was gone.
Weapons were often called "Zygmunts", on the blades of which wealthy nobles knocked out the image of King Zygmunt the Third.
Weapons were nicknamed "weapons" if the image of the Polish commander Jan the Third Sobesski was applied to his blade.
Another Polish king, Stefan Batory, was also very popular at the time. On sabers not only his portraits were beaten out, but also inscriptions, one way or another connected with the king. This variety was called "batorovkoy".
But the most common were "augusts" - they got their nickname in the same way as the types of weapons described above. But in those centuries in Poland were ruled by three kings named Augustus. Therefore, such blades were the most.
Finally, the Polish saber “carabel” was widely known. Ephesus was absent - there was only a classic cross. But the top had the form of an "eagle head" - very typical for that time. Such a handle was perfect if you had to apply circular punches or fencing with an experienced opponent.
Why did she lose relevance
By the end of the eighteenth century, sabers practically ceased to be manufactured in Poland, which is not surprising - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was finally eliminated. In 1795, the lands belonging to it were divided between three states - Austria, Prussia and the Russian Empire. These lands could no longer have their army, therefore, national weapons were practically no longer produced.
So, the glorious Polish weapon, having traveled the path of two centuries, has become part of history.
Conclusion
Our article is drawing to a close. From it you learned about what the Polish saber was when it reached its peak, and also what important features it possessed. Surely the article has enriched the stock of knowledge of a beginner who is seriously interested in the history of European blade weapons.