The Duelling or French Smallsword evolved from the 17th century rapier as a military and civilian thrusting weapon lasting in popularity for approx. 150 years in Europe and the Americas. Its long tenure was due to its compact size, weight and attractive hilt design, it was also a devastatingly fast and efficient side arm for dueling and personal protection. Developed first in mid 17th century France hence being called the ‘French’ epee (sword) but also found popularity in Italy, Germany, and particularly England, only falling out of favour due to the more widespread use of the easier to use pistol and fashion trends of the time.

The SSA teaches with the ‘true’ (as in the typical 18th century weapon) duelling sword hilt, which is generally fitted with a modern epee or slightly heavier colichemarde blade for safety. References are taken primarily from Domenico Angelo’s 1763 ‘L’Ecole des armes’ treatise but also from, De la Touche 1670, Liancour 1686, Girard 1740, and McArthur 1780.

Instructor

Robert Wrightson, Assistant Instructor rapier

Robert has had a lifelong fascination with martial arts and has practiced Asian styles from the age of 17 including those focussing on weapons. He has been a Sussex Sword Academy (formerly Sussex Rapier School) member for 11 years specializing in Italian rapier but also studying Highland backsword, sidesword, longsword and smallsword. He has assisted Maestro Andrew Feest in rapier classes at various International events and displays with the SSA and has been teaching the Duelling Sword with the SSA for the last 4 years using the many fencing treatises available from the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries as reference. He has had private tuition in French smallsword from Maestro Jeanette Acosta Martinez and Dr. Simon McGrory plus attended classes by Maestro Olivier Delanoy, Mr. Phil Crawley and Mr. Ian Macintyre. He has also held classes at the Edinburgh Smallsword Symposium and at Malta (MHFA) events.