[Low-Tech] Smallsword with the Bronze Age 'Rapier?'

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by Prince Charon

EDIT: That might not be your intention, but that's how it looks from here. That or you both heavily misread my intentions.

Peace! No hostile intention intended. I got wrapped up in my own obsessive little research tangent, went into full hoplology geek mode, and forgot my netiquette. My apologies, and thanks for bringing these "rapiers" to my attention.

I accept that cinematic and fantasy weapons can defy the laws of physics and common sense and always love plausible new fantasy weapons that aren't in the "oversized with lots of extra spikes" family.

My metalworking experience suggests that it wouldn't be that hard to create a bell-guard rapier in bronze. The hand guard would could easily be added as an extra piece, possibly with an integral stiffener which extends from the guard.

If you alter ancient society to create the social conditions where the rapier became common (a light sword which could be worn with civilian clothing) then there's no reason why Bronze Age Rapiers couldn't have been used with fencing technique.

Given what we know about Celtic costume and armor, it's possible that "Celtic Rapiers" could have been used with a fencing stance, possibly with a buckler or cloak to protect the off hand. Just substitute wool plaid for silk velvet and Cornish bronze for Milanese steel. GURPS Swashbucklers + Celtic Myth actually sounds like a lot of fun.