Classification	Sword
Time Period	ca. 1450 - 1700
Avg. Length	96.5 cm (38" )
Avg. Weight	1.1 kg (2.5 lb.)
Blade Type	Double-edged, tapered
Hilt Type	One-handed compound, with pommel

The spada da lato or "side-sword" is the Italian term for the type of sword

Sword

A sword is a bladed weapon used primarily for cutting or thrusting. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration...

 popular during the late 16th century, corresponding to the Spanish espada ropera

Espada ropera

The espada ropera was a sword developed in the mid-15th century in Spain. The name referred to swords worn by civilians, as opposed for those meant for battlefield use. Compared to earlier swords, the espada ropera was lighter, thinner, and more ornate. It was first mentioned in an inventory of Don...

.
It is a continuation of the medieval arming sword

Arming sword

The arming sword is the single handed cruciform sword of the High Middle Ages, in common use between ca. 1000 and 1500, possibly remaining in rare use into the 16th century...

 and in turn the predecessor of the rapier

Rapier

A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed sword, ideally used for thrusting attacks, used mainly in Early Modern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.-Description:...

 of the Early Modern period. Its use was taught in the Dardi school of Italian fencing, influential on 17th century rapier

Rapier

A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed sword, ideally used for thrusting attacks, used mainly in Early Modern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.-Description:...

 fencing.

They were ideal for handling the mix of armored and unarmored opponents of that time. A new technique of placing one's finger on the ricasso

Ricasso

A ricasso is a part of sword and knife blades. It is the section just above the guard or handle. It is sometimes unsharpened and unbevelled.The first unsharpened ricassos were found on Middle Bronze Age swords...

 to improve the grip (a practice that would continue in the rapier

Rapier

A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed sword, ideally used for thrusting attacks, used mainly in Early Modern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.-Description:...

) led to the production of hilts with a guard for the finger. This sword design eventually led to the development of the civilian rapier

Rapier

A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed sword, ideally used for thrusting attacks, used mainly in Early Modern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.-Description:...

, but it was not replaced by it, and the side-sword continued to be used during the rapier's lifetime.

Also of note is that as rapiers became more popular, attempts were made to hybridize the blade, sacrificing the effectiveness found in each unique weapon design. These are still considered side-swords and are sometimes labeled sword rapier or cutting rapier by modern collectors.