Nielo Swords 1798 Austrian Broadsword (Pallasch)
Nov 3, 2011 20:41:29 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2011 20:41:29 GMT
Almost reaching the end with my Napoleonic Wars swords and this time I will review a sword that was used by the Austrian army, a rather absent but important player in this world of the repros. That sword is the 1800 cavalry sword (pallash) made by Michael Spilka (Nielo swords).
Historical overview
Austria was perhaps Napoleon's most implacable continental opponent, and her armies participated in most campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars and its cavalry, despite by overshadowed by its Prussian and British allies, was a very well trained & efficiently deadly force that was unfortunately tactically misused against the French, much to their advantage.
Austrian Chevauxlegers and dragoons were used for reconnaissance, outposts and charges much like any other medium cavalry at the time. Austria reorganized its cavalry several times during the Napoleonic wars and these units were given a new sword that closely resembles the style of the 1796 heavy cavalry sword.
Disclaimer / Info on maker
Despite Austria being a major player of the wars, its swords are very unpopular and rarely the object of a reproduction. Fortunately for us Michael Spilka (Nielo swords) of the Czech Republic exists and makes good quality swords that are very faithful to original modern swords and sabres. Dealing with him is very pleasant, with excellent communication & customer service. Once the sword is ready he sends you the pictures so you can say whether or not you like the results. Top notch service.
Statistics
Handle Length: 5 inches (13cm)
Blade Length: 32.5 inches (82.5cm)
Scabbard length: 35.5 inches (90cm)
Overall Length: without the scabbard 38 inches (96.5cm); with scabbard 40 inches (102cm)
POB (Point of Balance): 7.5 inches (19cm)
Weight: 2.08lbs (944gr) without scabbard
Components
The Blade
Straight unpolished and unsharpened steel blade marked with the Nielo symbol (Moon). The width starts at 1 ¼ (3.2cm) at the ricasso to ¾ inch (2cm) at the tip. Some of the images from Edward Wagner’s book of swords show this model is intended to have a fuller as well as a more acute point. The blade is forged and I haven’t tested its durability yet but it certainly looks solid.
The Handle & Hilt
Steel made hilt with dark brown (personal request) leather handle on wood. The 1780 is meant for troopers so don’t expect any fancy stuff in this section.
The main component is the folding guard. Many Austrian swords of 1750s to 1850s had a rotating branch that offered extra protection to the hand. This folding hilt covers the outer side of the guard at a max angle of 90 degrees. It works like a charm and is very well done but not very comfortable to the knuckles (needs widening?).
The Scabbard
Straight steel made scabbard with 2 rings and wide throat. It really looks crude but legit. One downside is that because it is wide, it doesn’t hold the blade at all & once inside it rattles a lot. The drag of the scabbard could need some reworking.
Handling Characteristics
It weighs about 944 grams which is 2.08lbs and it feels pretty good for a cavalry broadsword & is wrist friendly. The POB could be reduced for a better performance but cuts and thrusts do not require much effort and won’t hurt your forearm after practicing for a while unlike other heavy cavalry monstrosities.
Conclusions
It does look rather imposing with that broad blade and it certainly is a beautiful Napoleonic sword. Aside for some very minor differences, it is true to the originals in the looks and handling; accurate construction, well-made folding branch, not too heavy but not feather like in its weight. I can easily imagine this sword being deadly in the hands of a trained cavalryman.
There are some downsides to it, most notably the folding guard where I’d suggest a larger, wider branch (as it is not knuckle-friendly). The blade too should have some modifications like a fuller but the real letdown is the price (500$), which can be too much for some.
Unfortunately if someone wants a good functional 1800s sword, then you really have little to no choice because so far, Napoleonic Austrian swords are rare in the world of the reproductions and acquiring an original is even more difficult as they are scarce and can be even more expensive than French line swords.
If the price is not too much of a restriction, then I really recommend this Nielo sword. I'd sure like to handle the other 1700s swords to see if they are as functional as this one.
Handling: 8.5/10
Looks: 10/10
Historical accuracy: 8.5/10
Bonus link: the making of the scabbard www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=23417
Historical overview
Austria was perhaps Napoleon's most implacable continental opponent, and her armies participated in most campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars and its cavalry, despite by overshadowed by its Prussian and British allies, was a very well trained & efficiently deadly force that was unfortunately tactically misused against the French, much to their advantage.
Austrian Chevauxlegers and dragoons were used for reconnaissance, outposts and charges much like any other medium cavalry at the time. Austria reorganized its cavalry several times during the Napoleonic wars and these units were given a new sword that closely resembles the style of the 1796 heavy cavalry sword.
Disclaimer / Info on maker
Despite Austria being a major player of the wars, its swords are very unpopular and rarely the object of a reproduction. Fortunately for us Michael Spilka (Nielo swords) of the Czech Republic exists and makes good quality swords that are very faithful to original modern swords and sabres. Dealing with him is very pleasant, with excellent communication & customer service. Once the sword is ready he sends you the pictures so you can say whether or not you like the results. Top notch service.
Statistics
Handle Length: 5 inches (13cm)
Blade Length: 32.5 inches (82.5cm)
Scabbard length: 35.5 inches (90cm)
Overall Length: without the scabbard 38 inches (96.5cm); with scabbard 40 inches (102cm)
POB (Point of Balance): 7.5 inches (19cm)
Weight: 2.08lbs (944gr) without scabbard
Components
The Blade
Straight unpolished and unsharpened steel blade marked with the Nielo symbol (Moon). The width starts at 1 ¼ (3.2cm) at the ricasso to ¾ inch (2cm) at the tip. Some of the images from Edward Wagner’s book of swords show this model is intended to have a fuller as well as a more acute point. The blade is forged and I haven’t tested its durability yet but it certainly looks solid.
The Handle & Hilt
Steel made hilt with dark brown (personal request) leather handle on wood. The 1780 is meant for troopers so don’t expect any fancy stuff in this section.
The main component is the folding guard. Many Austrian swords of 1750s to 1850s had a rotating branch that offered extra protection to the hand. This folding hilt covers the outer side of the guard at a max angle of 90 degrees. It works like a charm and is very well done but not very comfortable to the knuckles (needs widening?).
The Scabbard
Straight steel made scabbard with 2 rings and wide throat. It really looks crude but legit. One downside is that because it is wide, it doesn’t hold the blade at all & once inside it rattles a lot. The drag of the scabbard could need some reworking.
Handling Characteristics
It weighs about 944 grams which is 2.08lbs and it feels pretty good for a cavalry broadsword & is wrist friendly. The POB could be reduced for a better performance but cuts and thrusts do not require much effort and won’t hurt your forearm after practicing for a while unlike other heavy cavalry monstrosities.
Conclusions
It does look rather imposing with that broad blade and it certainly is a beautiful Napoleonic sword. Aside for some very minor differences, it is true to the originals in the looks and handling; accurate construction, well-made folding branch, not too heavy but not feather like in its weight. I can easily imagine this sword being deadly in the hands of a trained cavalryman.
There are some downsides to it, most notably the folding guard where I’d suggest a larger, wider branch (as it is not knuckle-friendly). The blade too should have some modifications like a fuller but the real letdown is the price (500$), which can be too much for some.
Unfortunately if someone wants a good functional 1800s sword, then you really have little to no choice because so far, Napoleonic Austrian swords are rare in the world of the reproductions and acquiring an original is even more difficult as they are scarce and can be even more expensive than French line swords.
If the price is not too much of a restriction, then I really recommend this Nielo sword. I'd sure like to handle the other 1700s swords to see if they are as functional as this one.
Handling: 8.5/10
Looks: 10/10
Historical accuracy: 8.5/10
Bonus link: the making of the scabbard www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=23417