| Swords although a weapon of war, have become | | | | iron swords was a technological improvement, |
| not only a symbol of our warrior past, but | | | | would be to understand that although the |
| are now, highly sought after works of art. | | | | bronze blade, primarily leaf like in shape, |
| Swords are unique as collectors' items. Walk | | | | and stronger than iron, was more difficult to |
| into any room where there is a full length | | | | produce due to the higher melting |
| sword neatly displayed and it will command | | | | temperature. Therefore Iron swords although |
| the attention of all who enter. The unique | | | | relatively soft and malleable until the |
| combination as a weapon of war, coupled with | | | | introduction of the smelting process wherein |
| the aesthetic beauty of a swords shape and | | | | carbon was added to produce steel, was easier |
| design, make a sword, truly something to be | | | | to make due to the abundance of the sword |
| proudly displayed in any home. | | | | making raw material. This allowed entire |
| | | | armies to be outfitted with metal swords en |
| Swords have always been highly sought after | | | | masse for the first time. |
| as an effective weapon of war, but were not | | | | |
| always readily available to the common | | | | As the art of sword making improved, it |
| warrior. The sword was primarily wielded by | | | | became the weapon of choice. However, at the |
| a more elevated warrior class or nobility. | | | | turn of the 19th century, swords were |
| The common foot soldier and a peasant in an | | | | replaced by the more accurate up and coming |
| army, were relegated to spears. | | | | weapon, the gun. Nevertheless, swords have |
| | | | always, and will continue to always hold a |
| But as the metallurgical technology | | | | special place in our past, prominently |
| increased, swords improved from bronze swords | | | | displayed as that which is beautiful, made by |
| to iron. The only way that one could | | | | the loving hands of artisans. |
| correctly state that going from bronze to | | | | |