Flamberg Two-hand Swords, late 16th-Early-17th Century

[Matchlock]

Attached are two characteristic two-hand 'great' swords in the Musée de l'Armée Paris, both interestingly dated 'early 16th c.' by the museum experts.

Of course, while this date is quite correct for the first item, a Late-Gothic Italian-style fighting sword, the second is a late-16th c. Renaissance bearing sword of Flamberg type made for processional purposes, as has been stated here before. Thus almost a century actually lies in between both swords, and only the first should be addressed as an actual weapon.

The grip of the first sword is stated to be a replacement, while the leather originally covering the long ricasso is missing from the second.


m