The schiavona was a renaissance sword that became popular in Italy in 16th and 17th century. Stemming from the 16th century sword of the Venetian Doge guard, the name came from the fact that the guard consisted largely of Dalmatian Slavs (Schiavoni). Classified as a true broadsword this war sword had a wider blade than its contemporary civilian rapiers. It was basket hilted (often with imbedded quillion for an upper guard) and double edged. A surviving blade measures 93.2 cm X 3.4 cm X 0.45 cm and sports two fullers running about 1/4 of the way down the blade. Weighing in at around 1.1 kg, this blade was useful for both cut and thrust; it became popular among the armies of those who traded with Italy during the 17th century. This became the weapon of choice for many heavy cavalry. Compare with the English mortuary sword. Image:Http://www.sword.cz/schiavona1.jpg The term broadsword was originally used to describe the straight double-edged basket-hilted swords of Europe during the 17th through 19th centuries. ... A mortuary sword is a kind of backsword which was used after 1625 by the dragoons during the English civil wars. ...
In this (short) summary, Bull suggests that the use of the schiavona was confined to the late 1600s and early 1700s.
A fine schiavona, with a pommel of brass and semi-precious stones, and a guard that is less complex than the Del Tin reproduction, is shown in Frederick Wilkinson’s book "Arms and Armour" (page 94, 1996, Chancellor Press, London, England, ISBN 85152 957 8).
Given the development of the schiavonasword summarized by Fulvio Del Tin, this is a reasonable and historically acceptable difference in style.
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