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Copyright « Schwert & Buckler» © 2019 Martin Helmke
Copyright «Sword and Buckler»© 2020 der englischen Übersetzung von
Hauke Schröder by Martin Helmke
Herstellung und Verlag:
BoD – Books on Demand GmbH, Norderstedt
ISBN: 9783752601602
There was a general doctrine for fencing during the late Middle Ages (see Leiske 2018) and one can safely assume the existence of a general idea how a sword had to be handled. The author of the manuscript 1.33 was pointing out how someone uninitiated into the art of fencing would carry out the basic poses for the sword. Furthermore, there is repeated mention on how a common ('gemeiner') fencer would carry out the strikes.(see 1.33)
The fencing manuscript carrying the inventory number manuscript 1.33, Royal Library Museum, British Museum No. 14 E iii, No. 20, D. vi. depicts a certain way of fencing with sword and buckler. The manuscript describes the 'Huten' followed by individual fencing actions, called 'Spiele'. The author does not mention footwork, 'Mensur' or timing. Basic strikes, and how to offset them, are not mentioned as well.
The manuscript '1.33' is probably targeted at experienced fencers to stress the peculiarities of fencing with sword and buckler through this particular manuscript.
The manuscript is a unique example for the art of fencing with sword and buckler. Currently dated at around 1300, it is the only known manuscript from that time period covering fencing with sword and buckler. How widespread knowledge of fencing was is still uncertain, as is whether or not there were different fencing styles. However, it is certainly admissible to assume other fencing styles or variations existing besides the one depicted.
The manuscript covers through examples certain techniques which are depicted in fencing actions. The author uses the term 'Spiel', which suggests the depiction of fencing principles through practice situations. Taking a look at modern German multiple terms containing 'Spiel' can be found e.g. 'Spielraum' (room for manoeuvre), 'ausspielen' (finishing something), 'abspielen'(something taking place) or 'Kirchspiel' (parish). Neither of these terms carries the usual connotation of fun and pleasure which 'Spiel' usually has. The exact meaning of 'Spiel' in the manuscript remains unclear.
The techniques depicted during the actions are: ' Anbinden', 'Absetzeh, 'Winden', 'Zucken', 'Umschlagen', 'Durchwechseln', 'Duplieren', 'Nucken', 'Überbinden' and 'Einlaufen'.
These techniques were used in similar fashion later on with all fencing weapons (longsword, long knife and rapier). The use of the buckler is unique to this manuscript. Using a buckler allows both hands to act independently from one another. This gives an opportunity for particular binding attacks, counters and feints.
Although 'I.33' does not mention 'Vor-Nach-Indes', the techniques shown are performed during these time frames, which can also be found in the later tradition of Liechtenauer.
An opponent's free-flowing blade presents an unpredictable threat. The 'Mensur' is very short at the time of a potential hit, because of the short blade. The sword has to be moved very quickly during a strike or thrust. The buckler does not lend itself as a defensive shield due to its size. Therefore it is easily bypassed by the opponent's blade. This makes evident that simple actions consisting of parry and riposte are often pointless or downright impossible.
At this point manuscript '1.33' comes into play, showing through fencing actions as examples the system behind different binding techniques. By employing these techniques the opponent's sword is bound by the fencer's buckler to reduce the sword's threat. This opens up a time frame to execute one's own fencing actions safely (see chapters 5 and 7).
This treatise contains an introduction into the general doctrine of fencing to increase the layperson's understanding of fencing with sword and buckler. There are numerous treatises available which interpret manuscript '1.33'. An interpretation of the manuscript by me would provide no additional information and is therefore omitted. References to the manuscript are to be seen as reference points. Additionally they serve as sources for my statements on principles and basics.
Looking at the historic fencing scene in the beginning of the 21st century you can encounter bizarre executions of handling sword and buckler. Many aspiring historic fencers lack the basics and basic knowledge. Even some experienced fencers acquired some mistakes as the consequence of autodidactic practice without knowing the basics. Many teachers also lack knowledge of the basics to answer their students' questions.
This small book is meant to make a contribution to improving the historic fencing with sword and buckler. It is by no means solely directed at beginners, some seasoned fencers might still pick up some hints on how to complements their basics.
Even though I've written this book myself, credit does not belong solely to me. I learned fencing from different teachers with different weapons namely 'Fechtmeister' (ADFD) Bette Raveling from Emden (sabre), 'Fechtmeister' (ADFD) Christian Bott from Edingen (longsword) and 'Fechtmeister' (VdF) Kurt Betz from Marburg (academic fencing). My sincerest thanks to these three people. Transferring the knowledge gained from my teachers to fencing with sword and buckler is my own work.
Furthermore, I want to thank Nicolai Heise from the advertising agency 'Küstenwerbung' for creating these wonderful depictions and, of course, my dear Annika who was available on so many occasions as my training partner and photo model.
Remember:
The fencing manual 'I.33' is a unique document of the late 13th century1 and depicts two fencers in a teaching situation. The following treatise is about the interpretation of 64 pages of depictions. The pages were available as coloured computer scans, accessed via the internet. Available at this address: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Royal_Armouries_Ms._I.33.
Therefore no statements can be made about the original and its condition.
Today the original is located in the Royal Armouries in Leeds. In 1579 Heinrich Gunterrodt from Wittenberg copied the original manuscript. This copy is nowadays in the Saxon State and University Library Dresden in Dresden.
The manuscript 'MS 1.33' was written in Latin and intended for practical use.2 The text describes the depicted fencing actions. To aid the student in remembering the fencing techniques some verses in Leonine verse were added, this technique was also used by later fencing masters. The Latin text contains German specialised terminology (e.g. 'Langort').
The High Gothic writing was written in brown ink on mapped out lines. The initials, Lombardic capitals, are classed. In general their height is double or triple the usual row height. A cross symbol marks the beginning of a new section. (see Bodemer 2008)
The plates depict fencers with a one-handed swords with a straight cross-guard and a round, domed buckler, which has a 'spike' in its centre.