Spada da lato: Difference between revisions

[[File:Spada da Lato.jpg|right|thumb|Replica of a Spada da Lato]]

The '''''spada da lato''''' (Italian) or '''''side-sword''''' is a type of [[sword]] popular during the late 16th century, corresponding to the Spanish [[espada ropera]]. It is a continuation of the medieval [[arming sword]] and in turn the predecessor of the [[rapier]] of the Early Modern period. Its use was taught in the [[Dardi school]] of [[Italian school of fencing|Italian fencing]], influential on 17th century rapier fencing.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weapon Arts - Sidesword|url=https://www.academieduello.com/school/the-arts/weapons/weapon-arts/sidesword/|website=academieduello.com|publisher=AcademieDuello swordfighting school|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref>

They were ideal for handling the mixofarmored and unarmored opponents of that time. A new technique of placing one's finger on the [[ricasso]]to improve the grip (a practice that would continueinthe rapier) led to the productionofhilts with a guard for the finger. This sword design eventually led to the development of the civilian rapier, but it was not replaced by it, and the side-sword continued to be used during the rapier's lifetime.<ref>{{cite web|title=Differences about swodsmanship of arming sword and side sword|url=http://www.thearma.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24378#.Wb54bjVpxkg|website=TheArma.org Research and Discussion Forums|publisher=The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fencing: Medieval arming sword to renaissance sidesword and rapier|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR8I6YthMsE|website=scholagladiatoria |via=YouTube |publisher=Schola Gladiatoria swordfighting school|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Spotlight: The Schiavona and its Influences|url=http://myarmoury.com/feature_spot_schia.php|website=myarmoury.com|publisher=MyArmoury.com |list

first=Nathan |last=Robinson |accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref>

Although this particular type of sword is referred to in modern times as a side-sword, the name was not used contemporaneously to the sword in question (according to the current research of ancient fighting manuals). Although some early Italian sources use the term ''spada da lato'', they are only talking about the sword that is at one's side, and not just this particular type of sword.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is it a Sidesword? The Sword with Far Too Many Names|url=http://www.thearma.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24639#.Wb56dDVpxkg|website=TheArma.org Research and Discussion Forums|publisher=The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Review of a Venetian sidesword replica|url=https://myarmoury.com/review_dw_ss.html|website=myarmoury.com|publisher=MyArmoury.com |first=William |last=Goodwin|accessdate=17 September 2017}}</ref>

Also of note is that as rapiers became more popular, attempts were made to hybridize the blade, sacrificing the effectiveness found in each unique weapon design. These are still considered side-swords and are sometimes labeled ''sword rapier'' or ''cutting rapier'' by modern collectors.

==See also==

* [[Knightly sword|Arming sword]] – The medieval one-handed straight sword that the sidesword (spada da lato) evolved from

==External links==

*[http://thearma.org/terms4.htm Sword forms] – [[Association for Renaissance Martial Arts]]

[[Category:Renaissance-era swords]]