Two Very Fine Landsknecht Swords, Southern Germany, ca. 1490 and 1525

Matchlock · 30th March 2011, 08:53 PM

These were sold at Auctions Imperial Timonium, March 19, 2011, and went straight into my friend's collection!

The hilt of the first, a Late Gothic two hand or a-hand-a-half sword, is most problay of North Italian or South Tyrolian origin, ca. 1490, while the fine blade inlaid with the Gotic letter A was recycled and can be dated as early as mid 14th c.! I have seen the same letter A on contemporary barrels and strongly believe that it stands for Augsburg, Bavaria - which would make this the only known early Augsburg blade!

The second item, with an incredibly high quality Passau wrought 15th c. blade inlaid with an early Passau running wolf and various apotropaic (magic) symbols, and a refined hilt retaining all its original bluing, is a great Landsknecht two hand sword of ca. 1525. Originally riveted on top of the pommel was a small iron flowerhead shaped plate, which is now missing. Note the acanthus leaf engraving on the pommel. The extreme tang of the blade has been crudely bent by hammering but the rest of the piece is preserved in almost as new condition, considering its great age of almost 500 years!!!

These two items were deaccessioned of by the Higgins Armory Museum. Well, they were not cheap though worth each and every cent! Wonderful pieces, and I am going to handle them very soon when they have arrived here!

Best,
Michael

30th March 2011, 08:53 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Two Very Fine Landsknecht Swords, Southern Germany, ca. 1490 and 1525 These were sold at Auctions Imperial Timonium, March 19, 2011, and went straight into my friend's collection! The hilt of the first, a Late Gothic two hand or a-hand-a-half sword, is most problay of North Italian or South Tyrolian origin, ca. 1490, while the fine blade inlaid with the Gotic letter A was recycled and can be dated as early as mid 14th c.! I have seen the same letter A on contemporary barrels and strongly believe that it stands for Augsburg, Bavaria - which would make this the only known early Augsburg blade! The second item, with an incredibly high quality Passau wrought 15th c. blade inlaid with an early Passau running wolf and various apotropaic (magic) symbols, and a refined hilt retaining all its original bluing, is a great Landsknecht two hand sword of ca. 1525. Originally riveted on top of the pommel was a small iron flowerhead shaped plate, which is now missing. Note the acanthus leaf engraving on the pommel. The extreme tang of the blade has been crudely bent by hammering but the rest of the piece is preserved in almost as new condition, considering its great age of almost 500 years!!! These two items were deaccessioned of by the Higgins Armory Museum. Well, they were not cheap though worth each and every cent! Wonderful pieces, and I am going to handle them very soon when they have arrived here! Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 31st March 2011 at 11:23 AM.