SWORD ORIGINS
Here's some fascinating history on the sword so you can impress people with your knowledge. No need to tell them you learned it on eBay...and I certainly won't tell.
The history of the sword is a long one even into modern times. The sword became differentiated from the dagger during the Bronze Age [3000 BC], when copper and bronze weapons were produced with a long, leaf-shaped blades and with handles [hilts] consisting of an extension of the blade in the handle form.
By Roman times the handle was distinct from the short, flat blade, and by the European Middle Ages the weapon had acquired it's main basic form.
The heavy sword of medieval chivalry had a large handle, often designed to be gripped with both hands, with a large protective guard [pommel] at the top. The blade was straight, double-edged and pointed.
It was fabricated by repeated firing and hammering. A process that converted the iron into mild steel with the addition a small amount of carbon. Some blades were also made of laminated strips of iron which were hammered together. Many medieval families were distinguished by their sword design and style.
Swords have long been famous down thru history being mentioned as early as the first century BC. Changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated it's types and styles. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to quickly use his weapon, thus the rapier [long and slender sword] came into use.
The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia where it was long used by the Indians, Persians and many others before it's introduction into Europe by the Turks. The Turkish dagger [scimitar] was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia the Japanese developed a long blade with a two-handed grip with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.
The introduction of repeating firearms virtually ended the value of the sword as a military weapon, though isolated instances of it's use continue into today's 21 century wars. As it declined in military usefulness the sword gained a new role in the duel, especially in Europe, out of which practice emerged the modern sport of fencing.
GARGOYLE ORIGINS
The word gargoyle is believed to have originated from the 15th century French word "gargoyle" meaning throat.
Gargoyles are grotesquely carved heads of animals or humans, with or without their bodies. Gargoyles originally had a practical use as waterspouts on sacred buildings to divert rain water away from the walls.
They were believed to ward off evil spirits with frightening figures and their own grotesqueness.
One of the earliest recorded gargoyles is a classical Greek lion mask on the Acropolis in Athens dating from the 4th century BC.
The major recurring theme in gargoyles is that most seem to be signs and symbols of early European paganism.
Gargoyles later became more ornamental in character and assumed many forms. Most were carved between the 10th and 15th centuries in Western Europe.
They were also used as educational devices for a largely illiterate population.The cathedral was considered a "sermon in stone" which could thus be "read" by the illiterate population. Some gargoyles clearly fill this purpose by illustrating bible stories.
PYTHON with BURNED TAIL
Yet another snake brought in with burns and the broken
record story, “it was fine yesterday and found it like this.”
This is quite unusual as it was only the tail section.
Our figuring was it only had a hot rock for heat so it wrapped it’s body around the hot rock.
The tail being most sensitive and probably right over the hottest part got the majority of the damage.
It healed up pretty good but has some major scars. Since their on the underside makes them hardly noticeable.
So you can see why your purchases are greatly appreciated.
May all animals, especially reptiles, always have a safe and warm place to sleep, full tummies and most important...a loving "appropriate" home.
If you like and want to help support our cause please let all your friends know about us as we can certainly use the funding.
To keep track of new items and animals you can put us in your "Favorites" and sign up for our "Newsletter".
Please visit our store Crocodile Collectibles as we have a lots of wonderful animal "goodies" just in time for gift giving that would love to come live at yours or a friends home.
Don't forget, with the upcoming Holiday's this would be a nice treat for your self, a terrific gift for a friend or...that "someone special" and you'll be helping us at the same time...what a deal!!!
Hope your enjoying browsing our store and meeting some of our wonderful critters and rescues.
Thank you for looking and caring.
Back to Search Results
) 
Crocodile Collectibles
