Faussart

The Faussart is a long-bladed, two-handed weapon, sometimes referred to as a warbrand (by modern reproduction manufacturers). It is essentially an elongated arming sword or the later period messer, possibly a descendant of the longsword. Though scant when it comes to both literary and iconographic references, the Faussart was possibly used by both cavalry and infantry. It is usually illustrated wielded by cavalry, usually of the knightly class, indicating it as a high-end weapon in contemporary sources.

Origins

The weapon probably relates to the agricultural tool for grass cutting, the Scythe. The Maciejowski Bible (Morgan Bible) depicts an example of a two-handed Faussart used by a mounted knight.

Features

The Faussart had a straight, one-sided sharpened pointed blade, that was both slender and long. It carried a long handle for a two handed grip, which allowed a powerful blow from horseback. It also seems to have been light enough for one-hand handling, but could also be carried with two hands, so that it could be hefted with more strength, which was equally appropriate for mounted users and foot soldiers. The Warbrand in the Maciejowski Bible is shown without a guard, but it does not need it as a pure weapon.

General

There are no extant examples in existence of the Faussart, and no written descriptions of it, or manuals covering techniques for its use. The English term "Warbrand", used for this weapon is an erroneous modern fictional term invented by companies that sell modern reproductions. Warbrand simply meaning "War Sword".

Evolution/Development

The Faussart seems to have developed into the two handed long sword, or was made redundant by it, as there is no evidence that it continued to be used into the Late Medieval era when the longsword became commonplace.

References

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Medieval weapons