16th Century German Sword

[PClemente]

Hey Gents,
I just acquired a German side sword circa 1580 and wanted some opinions.
The blade is approximately 30” long bearing “IHS” on one side and “MARIA” on the other side. The hilt is pretty sound and solid featuring swept quillions and the original wooden grip. Overall I think a nice example. My one hesitation is that there seems a very old break at the base of the downward quillion where it appears there was another “extension.” In closer examination it seems the damage was during the sword’s working life as the patina and wear over the “break” is consistent with the rest of the sword.
So what do you think overall about this damage?
Does it compromise the sword or is it just wear and tear from a 400 year old weapon? The hilt appears to be one solid piece but is a chance of later repair?

Thanks for any input!

[kronckew]

any photos of the whole sword?

[PClemente]

Yep - trying to get right size
Here they are😃👍

[fernando]

A very interesting sword you have there, Clemente.
It would be nice to see the whole blade. Isn't 30" a bit short for this type of swords; could it have been shortened ? ... just saying :o.
Your first picture is rather unfocused; difficult to discern the repair you mention. While there seems to be another repair furher down ... or is it my eyes ?


.

[kronckew]

That looks like a right angle turn in the finger guard loop there. maybe a hammer welded repair after it was hit, or maybe just a reinforcing of the transition. The rest of the guard branches look hand forged too, and a bit uneven in diameter here and there. a soldier's blade, not a high noble's, IMHO...

30" for an infantry sword isn't bad, it's not a long thrusting only civilian rapier yet, a longer sword could hit the ground during a cut with disastrous consequences. especially at the average height of the period...

[fernando]

... 30" for an infantry sword isn't bad, it's not a long thrusting only civilian rapier yet, a longer sword could hit the ground during a cut with disastrous consequences. especially at the average height of the period...
I reckon i wansn't thinking infantry, but looking at my swept hilts, right in front of me, which are considerably longer ... as are practically all my swords.

[kronckew]

my side sword is about that length, but we can't mention it here. ;) so i won't.

[PClemente]

Hey Lads,
Here are more detailed photos of the exact area I was thinking where the guard intersects the quillion.
What do you think of this spot?

Thanks Again!

[kronckew]

Aha! is seee the feature fernando was looking at, it's not another repair. he was seeing it at the wrong angle it that projection i've marked....looks like a lump head on. where he circled it in yellow.

the bit you point to with the ballpoint could be a broken off projection or could have been made like that, still looks a bit blurry to me. If it was broken off, it'd likely have a grainy break surface, with sharp edges, but could have been filed or worn smoother over time. it could have connected elsewhere on the guard, and be smoothed down there too. a field repair?

i have a late 18c french dragoon sword modified or repaired for US continentals that has a branch removed & smoothed to where it is barely perceptible to the eye, but you can feel it a bit lumpy there. anyway, the minor defects add character and improve the story...

[PClemente]

Sorry for the confusion.
I circled the point that I was referring to.
What do you think of this area!

THanks Gents!

[fernando]

Yes, it sure looks like is missing a part ... or more :shrug: .