Types of Antique Military Swords
Military swords are usually offered by military men and women as protection from their surrounding enemies. They also serve to honor fallen soldiers, as well. Swords are often angled inward for slashing attacks, whereas straight swords are designed for thrusting attacks. 

Depending on the military nation, a sword may or may not have a crossguard to protect the wielder's wrist and upper arm area, but in all instances there must be some means of protection afforded. A sword is an extension of who they are-- a proud warrior carrying around his or her comrades' legacy.

Real Swords have existed and been used by various armies around the world. Many of the swords in use by today's militaries are based on ancient relics and pieces of history, but in general most military swords are designed for combat, not for show. 

Swords were first used on a battlefield as early as 2,000 BC. Early metal swords found in China date back to 1,200-800 BC. Swords made from steel also date to 1,600 BC in Egypt. The iron age began around 1,400 BC – 600 AD and continued until the Middle Ages with iron swords commonly being used until around 900 AD.

How to Identify Antique Swords?

There are many types of swords available on the market. While a full-length sword is the most common and has been used in combat since its earliest days, there are some other types of military weapons that you can also find. Here is a guide on how to identify antique military swords - they don't all look alike!

Identifying an antique sword can be difficult, especially if you're not familiar with the time period it was forged in. Sure, you may know the basics. You know that a sword has a blade and hilt; it has to pass those standards of strength and quality to be used on a battlefield! But do you know anything about the qualities of antique medieval swords?

Military sword

Antique Swords - Differentiating Features

The classic antique military swords like this one are as beautiful and fascinating to look at as they are functional. The following are some of the characteristics that make these pricier than your average sword:

  • Type of Sword
  • Materials Used in Construction
  • Age or Origin of the Sword 
  • Style of Sword 
  • History of the Sword

  • Shiny, Expensive Decoration

There is a lot more to it than just a shiny, expensive decoration. It takes a keen eye and years worth of experience to distinguish true antiques from fake fakes. These fantasy swords have been around for hundreds of years, and as such, have developed characteristics that make them stand out from the rest.

  • Geometric Pattern

Geometrically patterned blade and hilt construction. These swords use geometric designs to create a visual illusion of depth in the blade and in the sword hilt. For example, some of these swords might have an elongated diamond pattern that extends down to the end of the grip.

Various Types of Antique Swords

The many types of antique military swords vary a great deal in size, shape, and style. Some are designed to be more functional while others are purely ornamental. This guide is an overview of these variations and their specifics." These range from specific models to more general ones. 

  • Thrusting Weapons

The first type is thrusting weapons, something that would usually have a pointed blade at its tip and fit into or above its wielder's hand for stabbing or thrusting attacks with greater force than with a slashing or chopping blow.

  • Cutting Weapons

The second type is cutting weapons, usually with a wide blade that could cut through armor and behead someone, such as the French- and Italian-styled swords. These are the most common types of antique swords because they were the most popular during their time in warfare.

  • Piercing Weapons

The third type is piercing weapons, which can be any form of sword that has a strong point for penetrating an object or even an enemy's armor. Some types include the Japanese katana and Chinese dao.

Military Sword

  • Some Basic Classifications

These are some basic classifications of antique military swords, whether they have curved blades or straight ones. Some also have long handles and other forms of cross guards. When collecting military antiques, it might be helpful to learn about the different types of antique swords so you can pick out the ones you want to add to your collection."

  • Specialized Weapons

The last type is specialized weapons that are only used in certain situations. They usually have curved blades that can strike in a range of circles, such as the cutlasses. Another is a double-blade weapon that has two narrow blades arranged side by side, such as the Japanese naginata or Chinese guan dao. 

Some are not even swords at all but rather daggers with short handles and small blades that have been constructed for use at close range, like when underwater or in tight quarters. The last type of antique military sword is a polearm, which is usually a weapon that requires two hands, such as the halberd or glaive.

Interesting Thing About Military Antiques

An interesting thing about antique military swords is that some are designed to be ornamental weapons or ceremonial pieces. 

The first type of these is a dress sword, an item meant mainly for decorative use and not battle. The second type of these is an officer's sword, which can have any form common among swords but has a gold or silver brass-covered hilt and scabbard. It was presented to officers in European armies upon reaching the rank of lieutenant.

Purpose of Antique Military Swords

In the 18th and 19th centuries, these antique military swords were in much demand for their rugged design and ability to take a sharp edge. The battlefields of Europe were filled with thousands of these large military swords that were used to crush bones, puncture arteries, and chop off heads. 

Despite there being an abundance of antique weapons in use, many antique pieces are still highly sought after today because they have a stunning aesthetic shape which is quite different from modern designs." Their uses are:

  • Collecting: For collectors who want one sword or many more, this is the best option. Most are handmade so it's a good idea to get them while they're still available.

  • Display: These pieces are typically mounted on display stands for public view at museums and galleries or displayed on a wall as decor.

  • Antique Collectors: Most are sought by antique collectors who enjoy collecting antique weapons. Some of these antiques can fetch the price of gold if they're original and in good condition. 

  • Memories of History: These antique things are made from materials that were used in times gone by but also were used in battles that changed the world into what it is today.