The colichemarde is a type of small sword that was popular from the end of the seventeenth century to the middle of the eighteenth century. It's a light and elegant weapon, designed for precision in duels, with a characteristic shape that allows both speed and control.
History of the colichemarde
The colichemarde is seen as a descendant of the so-called "transitional rapier", which itself evolved from the heavier rapiers. This transition took place because there was a need for a lighter and more nimble sword, one that was easier to carry and quicker to handle.
The sword has a broad forte (the part of the blade close to the grip), which abruptly tapers to a narrow, sharp pointed tip. This transition is usually located at a distance of approximately one-fifth to one-third of the total blade length from the cross-guard. The blade typically has a triangular cross-section, often hollow-ground.
This shape offers an ideal combination of strong parrying properties due to the broad forte and precise thrusting capability thanks to the narrow foible. The lighter weight, shorter length, and good balance compared to the rapier make it possible to thrust quickly and precisely, allowing the swordsman to target the weak points of an opponent.
Short history
The colichemarde is sometimes attributed to Count von Königsmark (possibly Otto Wilhelm Königsmarck), supposedly because of the similarity in pronunciation between the name and the weapon. The type appeared around 1680 and was popular at European royal courts for the following forty years. The sword emerged at roughly the same time as the foil, but while the foil was mainly used for practice at court, the colichemarde was intended for duels.
A common misconception is that the colichemarde was no longer produced shortly after 1720. This error goes back to the opinion of Sir Richard Burton in his Book of the Sword from 1884. In reality, many colichemardes dated into the 1770s have been preserved in collections. The sword remained popular, including during the Seven Years' War of 1756–1763.
In North America, officers favored the colichemarde during the conflict of 1754–1763, which is known in the United States as the French and Indian War. George Washington even received one as a gift upon his inauguration as President of the United States in 1789. Colichemardes were also common in duels in New Orleans.
