Any specialist in edged weapons knows the Polish saber. Well, for those who are just joining this great hobby, it will certainly be interesting to learn more about this weapon: what is it interesting for, when did it appear, what advantages does it have, and much more. We will try to answer all these questions as detailed as possible.
What she looked like
In fact, the Polish saber has exactly the same structure as dozens of other types of bladed weapons of its time. Unlike Western and Central Europe, where swords gradually turned into rapiers and swords, in Eastern Europe it was the saber that replaced this heavy weapon. It was perfect not only for cavalry, but also for infantry. In addition, the Polish troops quite often had to fight with the Russian Empire and no less with the Ottoman Empire.
After heavy armor had become obsolete in Europe, heavy and clumsy swords needed to be replaced by lighter weapons, distinguished by maneuverability, capable of destroying the enemy without powerfulprotection. In Poland, it was the saber.
It looked simple - a light hilt, a classic guard and a long curved (the degree of curvature varied slightly depending on the requirements of the soldiers and the blacksmith's idea of the best weapon) blade.
When it appeared
The Hungarian-Polish saber came into service towards the end of the 16th century - in 1580. Why did this formidable weapon get a double name? Because, in fact, Hungary was his homeland.
In 1576 Stefan Batory, Prince of Transylvania, ascended the throne of Poland. He introduced fashion for everything Hungarian, from clothes (the middle class and upper class hastily updated their wardrobe to keep up with 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 was liked by many ordinary soldiers and officers. In addition, this weapon showed itself perfectly in many skirmishes with the Turks. Therefore, the innovation was accepted with enthusiasm and today this weapon is the pride of many Poles who know their history well. And the Polish school of saber fencing developed successfully, turning into a real art.
Approximate dimensions and weight
Of course, it is impossible to specify the exact length and mass of weapons - it depended on the height, strength and build of the fighters who fought with them. In addition, there were no uniform standards for weapons at that time, and they were not needed. Therefore, there was always some discrepancy, even if it was about fairly similar samples.
Bthe average length of the blade part ranged from 77 to 88 centimeters. A longer weapon would have too much weight, and it would be inconvenient for them to cut - they would have to dampen inertia, and the saber was distinguished precisely by its lightness and maneuverability. Well, the shortened blade did not allow reaching the enemy with a longer weapon.
Weight also fluctuated - most often from 800 grams to 1 kilogram. But still, the weapon was significantly lighter than the classic one-handed sword, which weighed one and a half to two times more than this saber.
Sheaths were often richly decorated (most often by we althy gentry), but even the simplest samples weighed at least 500 grams.
Why are they so popular
Sources of that time claimed that the Hungarian-Polish saber was the best example of edged weapons for its era. And many modern studies confirm this fact.
Let's start with its lightness - a weight of no more than a kilogram made it possible not only to quickly change the angle of impact or stop the weapon without making a blow, but also allowed the owner to get less tired - after all, battles often lasted for many hours. In addition, the thickening at the end of the blade provided a really terrible blow - with a successful swing, an unarmored enemy did not have the slightest chance.
It is important that the weapon was perfect for applying different blows. Of course, due to its shape, the saber was best suited for powerful cutting blows, which the Polish cavalry was famous for. But a blow from the shoulder followed by a pull also alloweddestroy the enemy, or at least inflict a terrible wound on him, after which it was very difficult to recover.
Finally, the pointed tip of not too curved blades made it possible, if necessary, to deliver stabbing blows, thanks to which fencing with the Polish saber was significantly enriched. Opponents, especially the Turks, did not expect such a reception from a seemingly familiar weapon. This means that the soldiers armed with such sabers had an important trump card up their sleeve, often allowing them to emerge victorious from the battle.
Thanks to this, the Polish saber has 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 advantage of the weapon is its versatility. It was perfect for both the richest segments of the population and ordinary soldiers. Of course, the first 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 satisfied with the weapons that were issued by the state - there was no question of any decorations.
The saber was used not only by infantry, but also by cavalry. True, in the latter case, preference was given precisely to curved blades - thanks to them, it was possible to inflict the most terrible blows on the gallop, practically cutting the enemy in half. But in foot combat, she showed herself well. Yes, experienced fighters triedto choose a weapon with a relatively even blade, but a certain bend was also welcomed - the masters could strike instantly, barely pulling the saber from the scabbard, without a strong swing. In this situation, the Polish infantry saber saved a whole second, thus saving the life of the owner.
How does it look like classic sabers
If you look at the blade, even the most experienced expert will not be able to name the fundamental differences from other sabers that have become widespread in many countries of the world.
Really, everything is pretty standard here. Like any saber, the blade had several parts:
- Point - the upper weighted part, usually located at an angle to the rest of the blade. It has a pointed end used for stabbing, as well as enhancing chopping with the next part. Sometimes it was sharpened on both sides to facilitate penetration into the enemy's body during stabbing.
- Strength is the middle of the blade, which was most carefully sharpened. The convex side was usually used to deliver a crushing slash that splits the enemy in half.
- The base is about the first third from the hilt to the strength. It was practically not used for strikes - it was often taken on by the enemy.
As you can see, everything is pretty standard here. But there are interesting differences to come.
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 a Polish saber is no different from ordinary ones, then the difference lies in the hilt and hilt. So it isyes.
It was surprisingly simple and compact, 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 they all somehow belong to one of the three existing categories:
- Open - the saber was supplied with only the simplest cross, like swords.
- Semi-closed - the cross was bent at a right angle, turning into a bow, but not reaching the pommel. Such a bend made it possible to exclude the possibility of a chopping blow to the fingers.
- Closed - the guard was equipped with additional bows, 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 European weapons. But such trifles singled out 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, upon a thorough study or comparison of photographs, it turns out that it does not differ at all from the Polish one described above. How did it happen that the Polish saber suddenly became Armenian?
Actually, the answer is as simple as possible. At one time, the threat of capture by the Turks hung over Armenia. And the cruelty of these invaders was well known to everyone - men were destroyed, like the elderly, women and children were raped and driven into slavery.
Therefore, in a dangerousIn this 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 most affordable at that time was the Polish saber. Armenian men walked with them, and soon such a saber got another nickname - Armenian.
What were the hussars armed with
Hussars were rightfully considered the pride of Poland. Mobile, well trained, courageous, they could bring considerable fear to any enemy. They especially liked the Polish hussar saber. Accelerating at high speed, the hussars, thanks to their training, easily demolished their heads, cut off their hands, cut the enemy from shoulder to buttock.
Often the scabbard was trimmed with black leather - this was a sign of belonging to the elite troops. Hence 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 saber
Like any popular weapon, over time, the Polish saber changed a little, adapting to the needs of specific owners, and at times lost its original properties, acquiring new, more suitable ones instead. However, there were also just narrow specializations that received new names.
Thus, the "kostyushkovka" was widespread - a saber that had a rectangular finger bow. They were especially popular at the end of the 18th century, shortly before the disappearance of the saber as such.
"Zygmuntovka" oftencalled the weapon, on the blades of which we althy nobles knocked out the image of King Zygmunt the Third.
"Yanovka" was nicknamed a weapon if the image of the Polish commander Jan III Sobieski was applied to its blade.
Another Polish king - Stefan Batory - was also very popular in his time. Not only his portraits were carved on the sabers, but also inscriptions, one way or another connected with the king. This diversity was nicknamed "batorka".
But the most common were "August" - they got their nickname in the same way as the types of weapons described above. But in those centuries, three kings named Augustus ruled in Poland. Therefore, there were most of these blades.
Finally, the Polish saber “karabela” was widely known. There was no hilt - there was only a classic cross. But the pommel had the shape of an "eagle's head" - very typical for that time. Such a handle was perfect if you needed to deliver circular strikes or fencing with an experienced opponent.
Why has she lost relevance
By the end of the eighteenth century, sabers practically ceased to be made in Poland, which is not surprising - the Commonwe alth was finally eliminated. In 1795, the lands belonging to her were divided between three states - Austria, Prussia and the Russian Empire. These lands could no longer have their own army, so the production of national weapons practically ceased.
So, the glorious Polish weapon, having passed the way totwo centuries, has become part of history.
Conclusion
Our article is coming to an end. From it you learned about what the Polish saber was like when it reached its peak, as well as what important features it had. Surely the article has enriched the stock of knowledge of a beginner who is seriously interested in the history of European bladed weapons.
