This is the great original, one-handed foot soldier's sword. During the early years of the 15th Century, the sword had been relegated to a place of honor and was no longer a commonly used hand-to-hand combat weapon. Improved armor made the sword less and less effective, so percussive maces, war hammers and axes became more and more effective. But the sword was still carried into battle, and was beginning to be worn frequently in civilian dress. It was still an effective weapon against lightly armed troops or bandits. In certain areas of the world, such as Ireland, the switch to heavy plate had not been as rapid or as complete, and the war sword was still a prized weapon.