OAKESHOTT TypeXXII Swords

In Oakeshott's typology, Type XXII is the last of the sword types.

Oakeshott himself opened his chapter on Types XXI–XXII with these words:

"With these types we come to a point (in the High Renaissance, in cultural terms) when so many varied shapes and sizes of blades, and complexities of hilts, became common that a typology such as this, based upon the outline shape of blades and their section, can go no further."

Type XXII features a broad, flat blade with edges tapering in elegant curves to a sharp point, and a pair of short, deep, and very narrow fullers positioned just below the hilt.

^{^{Credits: Sword Buyers Guide}}

^{Credits: Sword Buyers Guide}

The grip is typically designed for single-handed use, though a few massive two-handed versions also exist. The cross-guard is simple and straight in some examples, while others feature more complex Renaissance-style forms — curved guards with terminals rolled toward the blade. Pommel shapes vary, including U‑shaped, round, and disc forms (either convex or with chamfered edges).

^{COMMON POMMEL TYPES——Credits: Sword Buyers Guid}

^{COMMON GUARD TYPES——Credits: Sword Buyers Guide}

Similar to Type XXI, Type XXII may have been used as a daily self‑defense weapon for civilians. But its other, more important function was as a bearing sword — displayed in parades and ceremonies to project the owner's power and social status.

Below are some historical examples of Type XXII swords:

^{^{Credits: Dresden Historical Museum}}

^{Credits: Florence Museum}

^{Credits: Schloss Ambras, Austria}

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OAKESHOTT TypeXXII Swords