Extendable Rapiers

Jim McDougall · 10th April 2016, 11:34 PM

This really is an interesting topic, and I must admit though I knew there were restrictions on rapier blade length, I did not know of this kind of mechanism/device to conceal the entire reach of the blade.

This unusual aspect of weapons is fascinating and extremely esoteric, so thank you for bringing it up Cathey.

Fernando, I might have known you would have insight into this stuff!
I recall a few years back (2 or 10??) when the subject of sliding weights on blades to add force to cut? was brought up. While much of it was purely fanciful, it was present in other means such as the pearls (bearings) in blade channels which seemed more for sound than actual dynamics.

fernando · 12th April 2016, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... Fernando, I might have known you would have insight into this stuff!
I recall a few years back (2 or 10??) when the subject of sliding weights on blades to add force to cut? was brought up. While much of it was purely fanciful, it was present in other means such as the pearls (bearings) in blade channels which seemed more for sound than actual dynamics.

Hi Jim,
Sliding weights, bearings inside blades ... you are going through difficult moments, dude

.

Rick · 12th April 2016, 04:20 PM

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted

fernando · 12th April 2016, 04:55 PM

So what, Rick ?
Jim is got a terrific memory

I wasn't even born when these threads were started

.

.

Jim McDougall · 25th April 2016, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

So what, Rick ?
Jim is got a terrific memory

I wasn't even born when these threads were started

.

.

Huh?
Thanks Nando. These were some great threads...now history themselves.

Jerseyman · 5th May 2016, 02:36 PM

In 2012 the Wallace Collection in London staged an exhibition entitled 'The Noble Art of the Sword' with weapons drawn from many European collections, including the Royal Armouries. I took many pictures including some of the RA's extendable rapier.

I'm not sure just how practicable the design would be - unless I'm misreading the structure of the sword it doesn't actually look as if the actual length from pommel to point would change. Only the position of the guard. I may be wrong.

Apologies for the quality of the pics - as usual it's difficult getting good shots through reflective glass.

fernando · 5th May 2016, 04:37 PM

Thanks for the nice addition to the thread subject, Jerseyman

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12th April 2016, 04:55 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Ah, the world of fantasy So what, Rick ? Jim is got a terrific memory I wasn't even born when these threads were started . . Last edited by fernando; 12th April 2016 at 05:11 PM.

5th May 2016, 02:36 PM	#6
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	In 2012 the Wallace Collection in London staged an exhibition entitled 'The Noble Art of the Sword' with weapons drawn from many European collections, including the Royal Armouries. I took many pictures including some of the RA's extendable rapier. I'm not sure just how practicable the design would be - unless I'm misreading the structure of the sword it doesn't actually look as if the actual length from pommel to point would change. Only the position of the guard. I may be wrong. Apologies for the quality of the pics - as usual it's difficult getting good shots through reflective glass. Attached Images

10th April 2016, 11:34 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,296	This really is an interesting topic, and I must admit though I knew there were restrictions on rapier blade length, I did not know of this kind of mechanism/device to conceal the entire reach of the blade. This unusual aspect of weapons is fascinating and extremely esoteric, so thank you for bringing it up Cathey. Fernando, I might have known you would have insight into this stuff! I recall a few years back (2 or 10??) when the subject of sliding weights on blades to add force to cut? was brought up. While much of it was purely fanciful, it was present in other means such as the pearls (bearings) in blade channels which seemed more for sound than actual dynamics.

12th April 2016, 04:20 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted

5th May 2016, 04:37 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thanks for the nice addition to the thread subject, Jerseyman .