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The federschwert (feather sword) is a type of practice sword that was used in the Fechtschulen (fencing schools) of the German Renaissance. This type existed since at least the 15th century, but only became widely used as a standard practice weapon in the 16th century. Around this time, the rapier rose to prominence while the longsword and bastard sword fell out of use. The federschwert combines both traditions. Around this time, duels with the rapier were fought.
The federschwert is mainly known from the many fight books, especially those of Paulus Hector Mair and Joachim Meyer. The weapon remained in use in such fencing schools well into the 17th century, and in some cases even into the 18th century. The federschwert was developed solely for the purpose of fencing, these weapons were never used on the battlefield or as a defensive weapon as was the case with the messer and rapier .
Etymology
The origin of the name Feder for these swords is not entirely clear. The German word Feder means "feather" or "pen," but from the 17th century, it was also used for metal springs (around the same time the name for the practice sword emerged, possibly influenced by this). The term Fechtfeder seems connected to the name of the Federfechter – or "feather fencers" – a guild or brotherhood of fencers founded in Prague in 1570. Possibly, the term Federschwert for the practice sword emerged in the late 16th century as a mocking nickname for the weapon used by the Federfechter. Their rivals, the Marx Brothers, another fencers' guild, might have mocked them with the remark that they were "fencing with pens" instead of real weapons. It also referred to the image of scholars who were better at "fighting with the pen" than in real fighting. Johann Fischart already made the comparison between this practice sword and a pen writing with blood in his work Gargantua (1575). The term Federschwert is a modern reinterpretation.
Composition of the Federschwert
The Federschwert consists of a very thin, round blade with a large ricasso (the blunt part above the grip) and a heavy pommel and crossguard. This gives it the same weight and balance point as a real sword, and it feels the same in use. This particular construction also ensures that the "strike point" of the sword theoretically lies beyond the tip. The tip of a Federschwert was rounded and possibly covered with a leather sheath to make thrusts in training fights safer, although there is no direct historical evidence for this.
In the 21st century, the production of the Federschwert has been revived for use in sparring and competitions within the historical European martial arts (HEMA) movement. Some HEMA groups believe that certain historical federschwerten had grips that gradually tapered, although this is not always applied in modern reconstructions. The Shields (quillons) of modern replicas s also vary greatly: from flat square to double-curved Parierhaken. Some have a grip made in the shape of a winding "S," and others are extended by about five centimeters. The pommel shapes also vary: from classic spheres and polyhedrons to discs like those on one-handed swords, but usually drop or egg shapes.
