Terminology of Polish-Lithuanian arms
 

Terminology of Polish-Lithuanian arms

After a recent annoying discussion in a well-known facebook forum (yes, I see my mistake...) about trying to explain to someone that a Polish-Hungarian type sabre is not the same as a Karabela, I decided to record the terminology of weapons from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth here in all its facets from the literature, the way I got to know it.

In each case the picture of a weapon type is shown which is representative of possible alterations and the common names are given. I try as best I can to show an original example of each type, but if it makes didactic sense, a replica may also be used. This will then be clarified.

Please note that the terminology only really took off at the end of the 19th century and that the terms were used synonymously before then. In the 17th century, for example, there were "curved sabres", "curved pallasches", "straight sabres", "swords" (could be anything from rapiers to dussacks) and so on and so forth.

Let's start with Karabelas, after all, that's where the muck grew.

Karabela

Synonyms: Szabla orla (Eagle´s sabre), Szabla z rękojeścią karabelowatą (Karabela-hilted sabre), Szabla z otwartą rękojeścią (open-hilted sabre; imprecise)

Note: The term used to describe any highly decorated sabre or pallash. Furthermore, there are two types according to today's understanding: the combat Karabela and the Karabela kontuszowa (dress version).

Szabla polsko-węgierska (Polish-Hungarian sabre)

Synonyms: Szabla węgierska, Węgierka, Batorówka (wrong)

Ordynka

Synonyms: Ormianka (debatable), Smyczek, Szabla tatarska, Czeczuga (Special feature here: distinctive blade, see picture)

Szabla husarska

Synonyms: Szabla czarna (debatable), Pałasz husarski, Szabla z zamkniętym kabłąkiem

L-ka

Synonyms: Szabla czarna (debatable), Pałasz husarski, Szabla z półotwartym kabłąkiem, Szabla husarska

Pałasz husarski

Synonyms: Pałasz prosty, Pałasz

Szabla z furdymentem

Synonyms: Szabla litewska, Szabla czarna (debatable), Pałasz husarski, Szabla z zamkniętym kabłąkiem, Szabla husarska

Note: Alteration of the hussar sabre (curved or straight). It´s just about the basket hilt here.

Czekan

Synonyms: Siekierka, Toporek

Obuszek

Synonyms: Obuch

Note: Spike can be fully rounded.

Kopia husarska

Synonyms: Kopia rycerska, Lanca, Kopia

Note: May be a copy in the Muzeum Narodowego w Krakowie.

Koncerz

Synonyms: Panzerstecher

Batorówka, Zygmuntówka, Janówka

Every sabre with the image of Stefan Batory, Sigismund III Wasa or Jan III Sobieski on it, usually as gilding on the blade. Regardless of the time of creation.

Note: Image from "Najcenniejsze Tom IV" by Muzeum Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw. Fully recommend it!

Lanca ułańska

Note: Shown lance is an Austrian model equivalent from the late 18th century.

Great post, thank you for sharing your knowledge.