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Old 20th November 2013, 07:55 PM   #19
Matchlock
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
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Hi Jasper,

In the scientifically acknowledged analysis of original 15th/16th c. sources, Doppelsöldner means a Landsknecht who was trained to wield double fighting power and consequently, in addition to his Katzbalger, either carried a hand-and-a-half or a two-handed sword, or, alternatively, an arquebus.
Of course, when applying for a new 'job', he had to demonstrate his abilities and when he was successful got double pay.


Attached please find early-16th c. egravings.
The caption to the first image says Doppeldöldner.
In attachment #3 you can clearly identify the bodkins in the Katzbalger sheath.


Best,
Michael
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Last edited by Matchlock; 20th November 2013 at 10:14 PM.
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