Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Two Very Fine Landsknecht Swords, Southern Germany, ca. 1490 and 1525

Jim McDougall · 31st March 2011, 06:59 AM

Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for posting these amazing swords! and it really is exciting to see such historic treasures especially with my favorite topic, these markings.

Do you have illustrations of this unusual 'Gothic' letter A on the barrels as you mentioned? It is strange to have the center bar in the shape of a 'V'.
It would indeed be great to have this turn out to have the Augsburg association.
I know the armourers in Augsburg used the letter A surrounded by 'pearls' or dots and the fir cone, and one of the more renowned Anton Peffenhauser used the triskele (sort of a three legged swastika).

I am wondering if perhaps the 'A' might have been used as a kind of armoury or allegiance type marking as Augsburg was one of the number of Imperial Free Cities, sort of independant entities who answered directly to the Holy Roman Emperor only. These cities operated thier own armies, trade and economic alliances and so on in these times, contemporary with the Hanseatic League. It is wonderful to see an example with this type of latten (inlaid brass).

With the fantastic two hand sword, the markings are most intriguing, and very much remind me of the kinds of symbolic groupings seen on swords associated with the mysterious Vehdic courts, or of the 'Free Judges'.
These German tribunals were well known in the 14th and 15th century but less so later, though they were certainly still known. What seems most to remind me of these are the 'cross fourchee' or cross with forked arms. In medieval times, these type crosses were used to denote Christian piety, and in the case of certain executioner or heading swords, these crosses occur with other symbols noting the piety of those who were charged with carrying out justice.
Again these markings in latten are outstanding, and the symbolism seems to carry out the representation of authority. It is often believed that these large swords were used as a kind of bearing sword in assembly of these courts rather than actual execution weapons, however it would be hard to say. These of course like many weapons may have been actual combat swords that came into use in these capacities later in thier working lives.

While of course not declaring that this is what the sword is, I am simply describing these associations as worthy of note in considering the nature of the markings.

The well known 'running wolf' of Passau is seen here in of course the typical interpretive application. These marks were indeed seen as magical after a time suggesting power and invincibility as associated with the arms production of Passau in these times. Though the marks were most likely originally guild compliance markings, their association with the quality of the weapons and imbued talismanic power became legendary over time.

I just wanted to add things that come to mind as I observe these wonderful swords, and congratulations to your friend for such fantastic acquisitions and sharing them here.

All the very best,
Jim

31st March 2011, 06:59 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,747	Hi Michael, Thank you so much for posting these amazing swords! and it really is exciting to see such historic treasures especially with my favorite topic, these markings. Do you have illustrations of this unusual 'Gothic' letter A on the barrels as you mentioned? It is strange to have the center bar in the shape of a 'V'. It would indeed be great to have this turn out to have the Augsburg association. I know the armourers in Augsburg used the letter A surrounded by 'pearls' or dots and the fir cone, and one of the more renowned Anton Peffenhauser used the triskele (sort of a three legged swastika). I am wondering if perhaps the 'A' might have been used as a kind of armoury or allegiance type marking as Augsburg was one of the number of Imperial Free Cities, sort of independant entities who answered directly to the Holy Roman Emperor only. These cities operated thier own armies, trade and economic alliances and so on in these times, contemporary with the Hanseatic League. It is wonderful to see an example with this type of latten (inlaid brass). With the fantastic two hand sword, the markings are most intriguing, and very much remind me of the kinds of symbolic groupings seen on swords associated with the mysterious Vehdic courts, or of the 'Free Judges'. These German tribunals were well known in the 14th and 15th century but less so later, though they were certainly still known. What seems most to remind me of these are the 'cross fourchee' or cross with forked arms. In medieval times, these type crosses were used to denote Christian piety, and in the case of certain executioner or heading swords, these crosses occur with other symbols noting the piety of those who were charged with carrying out justice. Again these markings in latten are outstanding, and the symbolism seems to carry out the representation of authority. It is often believed that these large swords were used as a kind of bearing sword in assembly of these courts rather than actual execution weapons, however it would be hard to say. These of course like many weapons may have been actual combat swords that came into use in these capacities later in thier working lives. While of course not declaring that this is what the sword is, I am simply describing these associations as worthy of note in considering the nature of the markings. The well known 'running wolf' of Passau is seen here in of course the typical interpretive application. These marks were indeed seen as magical after a time suggesting power and invincibility as associated with the arms production of Passau in these times. Though the marks were most likely originally guild compliance markings, their association with the quality of the weapons and imbued talismanic power became legendary over time. I just wanted to add things that come to mind as I observe these wonderful swords, and congratulations to your friend for such fantastic acquisitions and sharing them here. All the very best, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 31st March 2011 at 07:13 AM.