Hi Cornelistromp , about the Sword of the bodyguard of Duke Julius of Brunswick, that is correct the quillions are chiseled.
However in my opinion after the chiseling work the deeper surface was etched to reach a higher relief. I have had and handled a two handed sword with a crossguard like that in my collection. That one was surely etched after the chisseling. About the styl, most two handed swords in the Italian museums al have more decorative art like styles, this could be Italian work.
The sword of Casey is probably a ceremonial sword and yes it could be more fantasy was used on the blade's etching its not the same a a sword for the field.
These ceremonial or bearing swords were sometimes also used as execution swords in certain towns, it could be a town sword wich could explain the heraldry like etching. However I dont know that its purely speculation.
kind regards
Ulfberth
|