Katzbalgers and Related Landsknecht Swords

[Samik]

Dont mention it Michael

It seems however that the more complex hilted katzbalgers existed even earlier than I (we? ) thought.

A fabulous painting done by Vittore CARPACCIO called " Portrait of a Knight " dated 1510 , shows a young man clad in complete harness (- the helmet) and armed with what appears to be a fully developed katzbalger. Note the "figure-8 or S-shaped guard" as well as the distinctive pommel more typical for the mid/later part of 16th century.
Judging from the picture one could speculate that the weapon was also favoured among the men-at-arms/cream of the fighting nobility , not just the Knecht mercenaries.

Take a look:




Link to the source gallery : http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/htm.../03knight.html


Best,
Samuel