Katzbalgers and Related Landsknecht Swords

[Matchlock]

Offered in a German sale in 2008.

Preserved in untouched but ruinous condition, retaining its original staghorn grips fixed by hollow rivets. The upturned, usually shell-shaped guard of plain form.

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

A Landsknecht-Doppelsöldner with a two-hand sword showing the pretzel-shaped quillons, and a Katzbalger with by-knives containted in its sheath, the latter bearing the artist's mongram D H, the Augsburg town mark, a pyr (fir cone), or a hop (referring to his name) between. Daniel Hopfer almost never dated his works; he died in 1536.

The term Doppelsöldner refers to the fact that the mercenaries (Landsknechte) were all free-lancers and hired themselves - and their own equipment! - to whoever was ready to pay them. The pay they were granted was measured by both their equipment and their skills. An average Landsknecht was expected to bring his Katzbalger, and probably a pike or a halberd; a Doppelsöldner, as the name indicates, was double equipped, e.g. with either a Katzbalger and a two-hand sword or an arquebus - and consequently got double paid.

Attached are further examples of Doppelsöldners.

Best,
Michael