Deadly Elegance
: A Scientific Evaluation of the Form and Function of the Colichemarde Small-Sword

  • Maciej Pulaczewski

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Between the seventeenth and the nineteenth centuries the small-sword was a weapon and item of personal adornment worn by gentlemen in western Europe, North America and in other countries where their culture prevailed. This thesis provides a unique investigation, using historical data and scientific methods, of the fitness for purpose of the colichemarde blade design small-sword. The scientific methods employed have included computer tomography (CT) scanning, optical and electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness testing and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). A bespoke Izod-type impact testing machine was used to test the effectiveness of an original small-sword blade against a cut from a much heavier blade. The impact tests showed that a triangular section “hollow blade” could effectively parry a sword such as a sabre without catastrophic fast fracture if the steel were free of existent cracks or non-metallic inclusions which could give rise to cracks. A novel technique, non-harmful to heritage weapons, to compare the stiffness of sword-blades by measuring the fundamental frequency of vibration was also investigated as proof of concept. From the data obtained differently weighted multi-criteria figures of merit were created using the variables of mass, length, stiffness, critical force to buckling and centre of percussion to compare the colichemarde design with fourteen other contemporary sword blades. The figures of merit showed that the colichemarde blade was comparatively very stiff, and the heavy fort had a centre of percussion at the best place for parrying and for beating. The radius of gyration, where the mass of the moving sword appears to act, was sufficiently towards the hilt so that the sword did not feel blade-heavy, despite, in general, being more massive than evenly tapering small-swords. The evidence from the swords examined implies that the colichemarde was an excellent design of small-sword for the purpose of one-on-one combat and for self-defence. This was a weapon able to withstand and parry blows, to administer powerful beats and at the same time to feel nimble in the hand.
Date of Award14 May 2024
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorPaul Bills (Main Supervisor)

Cite this

'