We’re lucky that sword blades endure the unforgiving ravages of time better than paper or wood; or some Green Cords too come to think of it. Whether from the near or far past; swords and sword lore continue to influence our view of some of the world around us.
Swords in Service
HOLLY SPRINGS SUN (Fuquay-Varina, N Carolina) 23 November 12 Medieval sword fighting comes to Holly Springs (Tamara Ward)
The European Medieval Arts of Arms branch in sword-centric Holly Springs continue their varied programs teaching various historical broadsword, staff, pike and dagger techniques ‘and’ having a significant presence in civic activities.
“It’s not about who is best,” Eric Lindbeck said. “A pure interest in learning a lost art – that’s a whole lot of fun. It’s something not many people get to do.” …“There are always different angles and different interpretations”.
The Cost of Culture?
NYHETERNA (Oskarshamn, Sweden) 12 November 12 25 000 – för lite för bronssvärdet? (Torbjörn Byman)
What is your national history worth to you? To your government?
Chris Hjelm dug up a rare Bronze Age sword in his garden in 2009, and has been in ‘compensation’ negotiations with the Swedish governments Heritage Board, who have legally claimed the artifact, ever since.
The governments offer right now? $3,750.
Sword of Honour and Remembrance
ESSEX COUNTY STANDARD (Colchester, UK) 21 November 12 Sword donation a legacy of heroic flight commander
Lieutenant Claude Ridley’s (MC, DSO) World War One sword has been donated to the historical Stow Maries Aerodrome by his grandson.
We like to see stories such as this in that they give a very real, personal ‘aura’ to otherwise unremarkable pieces of kit – and often, can make the weapon relevant to local history.
Of note; one can often determine the original military background of any particular WWI Commonwealth pilot by the swords that they carried. Men transferring to the ‘Flying Corps’ of the day often retained their swords from their old regiments/arms of service, since the fledgling ‘air forces’ of the time did not have their own, unique sword pattern …. yet.
Sword of Honour and Service
HERTFORDSHIRE MERCURY (Hoddesdon, UK) 26 November 12 Hoddesdon cadet appointed High Sheriff's sword bearer
Cadet Sergeant Bronwyn Scholes has been selected to act as the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire’s sword bearer for the next year – and the sword carried being that of Field Marshal Montgomery of Alamein.
Snippet:
BOING BOING (USA) 20 November 12 Combat Kitchenware: a frypan with a sword hilt (Cory Doctorow)
We will be so-o-o ready for the next salle pot luck!
Or at least prepared with an off-hand for that inevitable duel in the kitchen.