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The colichemarde is a type of small sword that was popular from the late seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth century. It is a light and elegant weapon, designed for precision in duels, with a characteristic shape that allows both speed and control.
History of the colichemarde
The colichemarde is considered a descendant of the so-called “transitional rapier”, which itself evolved from the heavier rapiers. This transition occurred due to the need for a lighter and more maneuverable sword, which was easier to carry and quicker to handle.
The sword has a broad forte (the part of the blade close to the grip), which abruptly narrows to a slim, sharp pointed end. This transition is usually located at a distance of about one-fifth to one-third of the total blade length from the ricasso. The blade typically has a triangular cross-section, often hollow ground.
This shape offers an ideal combination of strong parrying capabilities due to the broad forte and precise thrusting possibilities thanks to the narrow foible. The lighter weight, shorter length, and good balance compared to the rapier make it possible to thrust quickly and precisely, allowing the fencer to target the weak points of an opponent.
Brief History
The colichemarde is sometimes attributed to Graf von Königsmark (possibly Otto Wilhelm Königsmark), presumably due to the similarity in pronunciation between the name and the weapon. The type appeared around 1680 and was popular at European royal courts for the subsequent forty years. The sword emerged approximately simultaneously with the foil, but while the foil was mainly used for practice at court, the colichemarde was intended for duels.
A common misconception is that the colichemarde was no longer produced shortly after 1720. This error stems from the opinion of Sir Richard Burton in his Book of the Sword from 1884. In reality, many colichemardes dated to the 1770s have been preserved in collections. The sword remained popular, notably during the Seven Years' War of 1756–1763.
In North America, officers preferred the colichemarde during the conflict of 1754–1763, known in the United States as the French and Indian War. George Washington even received one as a gift at his inauguration as President of the United States in 1789. Colichemardes were also common in duels in New Orleans.
