An Extremely Rare North Italian Arquebusier's Auxiliary Armament Saber, ca. 1510-15

Matchlock · 8th October 2009, 12:40 PM

The rest of the images.

cornelistromp · 10th October 2009, 05:33 PM

Hi Michael,

Amazing!!!!!!!!
extremely rare and extremely beautiful landsknecht saber

congratulations Michael, this one would also fit perfectly in my collection.

A similar developed basket look-a-like hilt is published in European weapons and Armour by Ewart Oakeshott. see pic.
I also found some pommel similarity in the sketches of R-J Charles taken from paintings of Lucas Cranach 1516-1586.

CF the thumb ring; the first illustration with this type of thumb ring known, published by A.V.B. Norman, is in the portrait of Melchior Hornlocher by Hans Bock I, dated 1577 (Basle oeffentliche Kunstsammlung, inv NR 80).

your saber is definitely earlier,however because of the developed Hilt later then 1530, I assume it can be dated between 1535-1540.

Best regards

Matchlock · 11th October 2009, 12:15 PM

Hi Cornelis,

Thank you so much for both your contribution and appreciation!

I can, of course, see your point of dating the piece into to 1530's and will try and find some illustrations to exemplify why I thought it might be a bit earlier.

Best wishes,
Michael

broadaxe · 12th October 2009, 02:23 PM

Absolutely stunning, a true conversation piece!
From a general point of view, it shows great resemblence to the famous Swiss hand and a half saber.
I would call it a hybreed between a messer and a Sinclair saber.
The entire construction, sans the gard, is pure central European messer. This kind of construction prevents the replacing of the guard alone, hence I think is the brazing at the pommel.

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 02:42 PM

Excellent point, broadaxe, thank you so much!

Best,
Michael

broadaxe · 12th October 2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Excellent point, broadaxe, thank you so much!

Best,
Michael

Thank you, it seems your chest of wanders never runs out of surprizes!

Another thing, the thumb ring was very popular during the 17th century, though is known to be ealier. The guard composition looks of the 16th century fashion. You may have one of the earliest thumb ring weapons in existance.

Matchlock · 13th October 2009, 03:28 PM

Hi broadaxe,

I think your remark on the thumb guard is just on the point!

Best,
Michael

8th October 2009, 12:40 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The rest of the images. Attached Images

10th October 2009, 05:33 PM	#2
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,060	Hi Michael, Amazing!!!!!!!! extremely rare and extremely beautiful landsknecht saber congratulations Michael, this one would also fit perfectly in my collection. A similar developed basket look-a-like hilt is published in European weapons and Armour by Ewart Oakeshott. see pic. I also found some pommel similarity in the sketches of R-J Charles taken from paintings of Lucas Cranach 1516-1586. CF the thumb ring; the first illustration with this type of thumb ring known, published by A.V.B. Norman, is in the portrait of Melchior Hornlocher by Hans Bock I, dated 1577 (Basle oeffentliche Kunstsammlung, inv NR 80). your saber is definitely earlier,however because of the developed Hilt later then 1530, I assume it can be dated between 1535-1540. Best regards Attached Images

12th October 2009, 02:23 PM	#4
broadaxe Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 334	Absolutely stunning, a true conversation piece! From a general point of view, it shows great resemblence to the famous Swiss hand and a half saber. I would call it a hybreed between a messer and a Sinclair saber. The entire construction, sans the gard, is pure central European messer. This kind of construction prevents the replacing of the guard alone, hence I think is the brazing at the pommel. Last edited by broadaxe; 12th October 2009 at 02:42 PM.

11th October 2009, 12:15 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Cornelis, Thank you so much for both your contribution and appreciation! I can, of course, see your point of dating the piece into to 1530's and will try and find some illustrations to exemplify why I thought it might be a bit earlier. Best wishes, Michael

12th October 2009, 02:42 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Excellent point, broadaxe, thank you so much! Best, Michael

13th October 2009, 03:28 PM	#7
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi broadaxe, I think your remark on the thumb guard is just on the point! Best, Michael