Solothurn HEMA Fechschwert

Solothurn HEMA Fechtschwert

The Museum Altes Zeughaus in Solothurn Switzerland holds a very well preserved Fechtschwert, which shows clear signs of regular use in training. 

The Solothurn HEMA Fechtschwert version, is built to the exact original specifications (including full blade profile, including distal taper, and mass distribution) for those who want to more closely experience the quite different characteristics and dynamics of the originals in their training.

About the Solothurn HEMA Fechtschwert :

The original Fechtschwert is currently on display in the Special Exhibition “Alarm !”, On the culture, possession and use of weapons in the late medieval city (15 October 2022 - 29 May 2023).

As curator for the exhibition, Dr. Daniel Jaquet wanted to have an exact replica of the Fechtschwert available beside the original, that the visiting public could handle.  He approached Antony Rischard, with whom he has already worked on several interactive museum displays in Minsk (2019) and Morges (2020 & 2021), to source the reproduction and design the interactive display.

The museum replica was made by Kvetun Armoury, based on Daniel Jaquet’s photos and precise measurements of the original.  Anthony Rischard and Kvetun, with Dr. Jaquet’s encouragement, decided that this project offered an excellent opportunity for the HEMA community : a production version, following the exact original specifications, for HEMA practise.

The HEMA version has a few minor aesthetic changes to the hilt compared to the original, for both safety and cost reasons, but is otherwise identical :

• The original has a crowned ferrule at the base of the grip, and a twisted wire decoration below the pommel (which may be a later repair to the damaged grip).  These have been removed in the HEMA version, as they are non-functional, add to the cost and can cause injury in the HEMA context if they are deformed in use.

• The original has a dark brown leather covered grip, which today is almost black from age and conservation.  The HEMA version has a cord wrapped grip in black. This can be used as is, or covered by you with your preferred overgrip.

This new Fechtschwert model adds a new option to the historical fechtschwert models already available on the market : one based on a Paratschwert kept in an Italian Museum (measured by Roberto Gotti) and made by Viktor Berbekucz, the other based on the Fechtschwert kept in the Schweizerische Landesmuseum, Zürich (measured by Daniel Jaquet) and made by Peter Regenyei.