German 6 handed sword!!

Andy Davis · 14th June 2005, 09:36 AM

Hello people
OK I know its not an ethnic item but I have been so impressed by the knowledge on here, that I thought I'd get your opinions on this latest arrival.
Classic German 2 handed sword, though you could fit six on that handle. Pretty heavy but balance is excellent, so is certainly not unweildy. Total length is a mighty 5'8".
I dont believe this to be an original medival version but have read that they became symbols of authority for German towns/cities, right through to the 19thC. What do you think? Also, anybody recognise this armourers mark?
Cheers and hope it inspires some opinion
Andy

tom hyle · 14th June 2005, 02:48 PM

I can't make that call, but is it folded or otherwise laminated steel (If so, proves not much, but if not, pretty well proves greater modernity)? It looks pretty nice to me, if nothing else, and is of a size that does not limit it to bearing sword, so in that regard it could be "real". The dropped edges beyond the parry hooks are not improper in their existence, but I'm not sure about their execution; neither about the ricassoe that is there, beyond the hooks, nor about the angularity of the "drop" (I think a cuved/humped profile to this change, when present is more usual?). Pretty vague stuff, I know.....

Jens Nordlunde · 14th June 2005, 03:45 PM

I can't say I recognise the mark, but it looks like a lily to me - is it?

Andy Davis · 14th June 2005, 06:07 PM

It looks rather like a fleur da lie, worn away at the top but with two little feet. Seems to indicate its been stamped badly or be that the blade had been cleaned down a little harshly over time.

14th June 2005, 09:36 AM	#1
Andy Davis Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England, Northumberland Posts: 85	German 6 handed sword!! Hello people OK I know its not an ethnic item but I have been so impressed by the knowledge on here, that I thought I'd get your opinions on this latest arrival. Classic German 2 handed sword, though you could fit six on that handle. Pretty heavy but balance is excellent, so is certainly not unweildy. Total length is a mighty 5'8". I dont believe this to be an original medival version but have read that they became symbols of authority for German towns/cities, right through to the 19thC. What do you think? Also, anybody recognise this armourers mark? Cheers and hope it inspires some opinion Andy Attached Images

14th June 2005, 06:07 PM	#4
Andy Davis Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England, Northumberland Posts: 85	The mark It looks rather like a fleur da lie, worn away at the top but with two little feet. Seems to indicate its been stamped badly or be that the blade had been cleaned down a little harshly over time.

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14th June 2005, 02:48 PM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	I can't make that call, but is it folded or otherwise laminated steel (If so, proves not much, but if not, pretty well proves greater modernity)? It looks pretty nice to me, if nothing else, and is of a size that does not limit it to bearing sword, so in that regard it could be "real". The dropped edges beyond the parry hooks are not improper in their existence, but I'm not sure about their execution; neither about the ricassoe that is there, beyond the hooks, nor about the angularity of the "drop" (I think a cuved/humped profile to this change, when present is more usual?). Pretty vague stuff, I know.....

14th June 2005, 03:45 PM	#3
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	I can't say I recognise the mark, but it looks like a lily to me - is it?