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11th October 2010, 10:45 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 83
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Renaissance executioner sword from Germany
Some months ago I bought this German exectioner sword that probably was made in the XVII century. The blade is in good conditions and still very sharp. It has many engravings. A justice wheel and a hang bar inlaid with copper, the cross over skull, "IHS". At both sides of the blade there is an inscription: IN DIESER STUNDE// GOTT STEARKHE MICH: IN THIS HOUR//GOD STRENGT ME. It has a maker mark in shape of a animal, apparently a dog (?). Also engraved 2 court of arms at both sides of the blade and I shall be happy if somebody knows to which family it belong. At both sides of the perry pole iron cutted crosses ! The blade has also overall nice pitting. The complete length is ca. 113 cm (44,5 inches). Width of the blade: around ca. 4,8 cm (1,9 inches). Any additional information and comment is welcome. Is anybody able to explain the use of the three holes at the end of the blade. A feiedn told me wwere used to add weight but it is not clear how they did.
Last edited by Mauro; 11th October 2010 at 11:26 PM. |
11th October 2010, 11:53 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
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Spectacular. Best I've seen in private hands.
Not sure about leaning it on a skull though, thats a bit macabre. |
12th October 2010, 12:03 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 83
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these photos were made by the previous owner. He received the sword from an uncle that also had the skull in his collection !!
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12th October 2010, 12:53 AM | #4 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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Hi Mauro,
Excelent condition. These swords often have one hole in the blade tip, which is used for hanging them. I wouldn't know what the purpose is, when they have three holes . ... but hardly for adding weight, i would say |
12th October 2010, 01:51 AM | #5 |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,164
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Wow! Now that's somethin'!
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12th October 2010, 02:40 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 26
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The sword in saltire was perhaps a symbol of his office, I cannot recognize the crown. At first glance a marquee hat comes to my mind.
Very interesting on the other side is the coat-of-arms of Saxony (barry of ten or and sable a crown of rue) at first look, but again after counting the horizontal bars on the shield it has only eight. Such shield I have seen on the Lords of Kuenring (a bastard line of the Duke of Saxony). Maybe the reason the crown (hat) is not Ducal. Last edited by Reichsritter; 12th October 2010 at 03:56 AM. |
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