This Swedish M1685 sword is crafted with a blade forged from 1055 high carbon steel; it is mounted and securely peened into a hilt of blackened steel. The wood grip was completed with an intricate and tight binding of wound and braided brass wire. The sword is paired with a wood-core scabbard which is overlaid in black leather and finished with a blackened steel chape, locket and hanger.
One of the earliest mass-produced weapons, the Swedish M1685 was a standardized sword with over 300,000 produced. The blades were of a cut-and-thrust design and the hilts were typically iron and painted black as proof against rust. An oval-disc guard coupled with a two-bar knucklebar give good protection for the hand and an integrated thumb ring gives the sword better handling characteristics and better point control. Produced from 1685-1737, these swords were in use for over a hundred years. In 1832 many of these swords were cut-down and re-purposed as hangers for naval use.
This sword was commonly used by the famed Swedish Carolean (Karoliner) army; a military force that was, by necessity, drilled and trained to a higher standard than most armies of the time due to Swedens lack of manpower. To compete on the world stage with foreign European powers the Swedes opted for quality over quantity, supplemented by aggressive battlefield tactics that emphasized a spirited offense. To contend with the typically greater numbers of their foes a Carolean force marched to engage an enemy and would only fire volleys at close range. Their live-fire training ensured that a Carolean volley struck with more bite than most foes and after a timed volley-fire the Carolean infantry charged with swords, bayonets and pikes in a fierce rush which swept most foes from the field with the ferocity of the charge and the extensive use of dedicated melee weaponry. Integral to the success of their battle-winning charges were swords such as the M1685.
Dave K. –
A closed market sword now open to all. About 5 years ago, Swedish Militaria dealer, T. Gavelin, contracted a group of 17-18th Century Swedish military swords that he would sell as sole proprietor. Gavelin quit his reproduction trade last year and those swords are being offered through the entire distributorship.
This is a large dragoon/heavy cav sword. The hex blade is substantial and has a moderate forward presence. The 3 lb weapon move well. The hilt is fairly long and comfortable. The thumb ring is large and accomodates closed to open holds depending on whether you are cutting or delivering the point.
Initially gave it 4 stars for it rustic finish and slight off alignment. Changed my mind.
harry b. –
Good Swede The construction is sound, all parts were tight and the grip comfortable. This isn’t a petit sword, it’s a sword that was purpose designed for mounted shock warfare. The blade has a somewhat nosey feel as it should.
I took away one star because when KOA sharpened it they left a very noticeable wavy section a couple inches behind the point, felt this should have been caught by the sharpener and not passed along.
moonwalker0223 (verified owner) –
For a reproduction sword, it’s very nice. I don’t know a lot so I can’t get technical at this time, but it has a nice weight behind it, delivering cuts relatively well and with a fantastic point for delivering a deep poke at your target. It came with a bit of rust in the basket, which was a little disappointing, but it’s been sitting around for a month due to COVID-related delays. I am happy to report that the blade had a glorious coating of oil which is much appreciated in the more humid states. KoA did a reasonable job sharpening it, anywhere that only sharpens blades professionally would have charged probably 4 times the price and delivered a flawlessly sharpened blade. Mine had a little bit of rounding and a small bit of secondary beveling towards the tip, but nothing that can’t be handled. The grip is a little rough on bare hands so some gloves are recommended. My fingers are long and pretty skinny so I have a bunch of room in the basket, but others may encounter space issues. If you’re planning on taking this to a renaissance festival or anything, get a frog holster or be willing to modify a sword belt specifically for this sword as the blade is quite narrow compared to most medieval swords I’ve seen catered for.