Cinquedea

Cinquedea
A cinquedea.

The cinquedea is a civilian short sword (or long dagger). It was developed in northern Italy and enjoyed a period of popularity during the Italian renaissance of the 15th and early 16th centuries.

The name means "five fingers", and it describes the width of the blade next to the guard. The blade was heavy, about 45 cm (15 in) in length, and tapered to a somewhat rounded point. The grip was simple with a small pommel, and the guard was curved with the concave side toward the point. There were typically several fullers along the wider sides of the blade to lighten the weapon. The wide blade was useful for decorative etching. This weapon was varied in size, being anywhere in size from 10" to 28". It was often carried in place of a knife or larger sword.

The cinquedea was used primarily as a thrusting weapon. It was carried horizontally next to the buttocks so that it could be drawn laterally from the back.

Contents

Collections

A XV century Cinquedea from Musée du Louvre in Paris

The cinquedea is usually available for collectors, whether they are looking for replicas or actual authentic antiques. Since it is not very well known (unlike the Katana or Claymore) and therefore not very popular, finding one for an affordable price is difficult. However, some daggers listed under different names still resemble cinquedeas (such as having the broad base) so they could make a good alternative.

Popular culture

  • In the Myst series, both Gehn and Veovis have daggers that strongly resemble cinquedeas.
  • In Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Soma can acquire a very wide and decorative dagger called the Cinquedia.
  • In Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and Final Fantasy Tactics A2, the Cinquedea is an equippable item under the category of daggers. Thieves, Jugglers and Rangers can equip this weapon.
  • In Diablo II the cinquedea appears as an exceptional dagger weapon (although its pickup graphic incorrectly portrays it as a kris).
  • In Assassin's Creed 2 Ezio can purchase and wield both channeled and notched Cinquedeas, which are the most powerful short blades. A notched Cinquedea also appears in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

See also

External links


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