Unique and Impressive Two Handed Sword

[CSinTX]

Originally Posted by broadaxe

Please indicate full length and weight.

Overall length is 189cm.

Center of balance is 84cm from the base of the pommel which is also right at the front of the blade lugs.

Weight is approximately 7.6lbs or 3.44kg.

Its very well balanced and feels fast in the hand for such a monster of a sword. Obviously a good portion of it's length is in the grip which doesn't weigh a lot.

The blade is flexible and 6cm across at it's widest.

[corrado26]

I think that the blade's decoration is not typical for the time such sword has been in use. Over that the coat of arms under this very funny crown is not to be found in Johann Siebmachers book of coat of arms. So I take this for pure phantasy and the sword for pure historism. As I am no expert on such swords I could obviously be totally wrong!

[ulfberth]

The technique" etching" was used in swords , halberds and armour in the 16th and 17th c , here are some examples .
Its of course good we have books , but not everything they made can be found in books.
On the other hand, just imagine a knight in the 14th or 15th C would order a sword oakeshott type xx at a blacksmith, the smith would not know what to make, and still its in the books now.
Kind regards
Ulfberth

[ulfberth]

here are two other examples of the period, interesting is the on the first you can see two different results , both of etching on one sword.

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

here are two other examples of the period, interesting is the on the first you can see two different results , both of etching on one sword.

Hi Ulfberth, re the Sword of the bodyguard of Duke Julius of Brunswick.
These are different techniques, the quillon is chiseled and the blade is etched.

For the rest i agree with you, like the examples in Wegeli, two hand swords were etched in this matter.
The sword under discussion also looks authentic, in terms of make and patina, the grips also looks good.
Nevertheless,the only thing that makes me doubt is the unusual pommel style and unusual crossguard style.
but...... like Ewart Oakeshott claimed: that you have never seen it means absolutely nothing at all, unless have seen them all those 100,000+ of swords made.

@CsinTX is it possible to see under the leather sleeve if and how the pareer lugs are attached to the blade ?

best,
Jasper

[ulfberth]

Hi Cornelistromp , about the Sword of the bodyguard of Duke Julius of Brunswick, that is correct the quillions are chiseled.
However in my opinion after the chiseling work the deeper surface was etched to reach a higher relief. I have had and handled a two handed sword with a crossguard like that in my collection. That one was surely etched after the chisseling. About the styl, most two handed swords in the Italian museums al have more decorative art like styles, this could be Italian work.
The sword of Casey is probably a ceremonial sword and yes it could be more fantasy was used on the blade's etching its not the same a a sword for the field.
These ceremonial or bearing swords were sometimes also used as execution swords in certain towns, it could be a town sword wich could explain the heraldry like etching. However I dont know that its purely speculation.
kind regards
Ulfberth

[fernando]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

... The sword of Casey is probably a ceremonial sword and yes it could be more fantasy was used on the blade's etching its not the same a a sword for the field....

Such a basic question indeed.