Katzbalgers and Related Landsknecht Swords

[Matchlock]

That's right, Jasper!

You would not believe though how often I have been asked this question (not here on the forum, actually).

Notwithstanding the fact that the Austrian catalog expert called this a 'Langes Messer' I still prefer the established term 'Grosses Messser' (great knife).


Best,
Michael

[cornelistromp]

Hi Michael, thanks that's clear.

For more information about this intriguing weapon please see.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=langes+messer

best,
Jasper

[Matchlock]

Based on many instances of 15th and 16th c. period artwork, mainly paintings and woodcuts, this type of all-purpose Messer (knife), including employment as both tool and weapon, was part of the basic equipment of foot soldiers, both top and low ranking, Landsknechts (mercenaries) and peasants alike, varying only in quality.

Today, most existing specimen are only preserved as excavated or water finds, and in ruinous condition.

The finest preserved sample I have ever come across was one sold from the Princely Collection of Liechtenstein, Schloss Vaduz, at Christie's, London, November 20, 1991, lot 62, where I bought it. It increased its estimate sevenfold, with renowned dealers and collectors like Geoffrey Jenkinson engaged in the bidding process! Well, I won.

It retained its original natural staghorn grips attached by hollow brass rivets, the trifold pommel in characteristic asymmetric 'bird's head' shape, the blade struck two times with a cross and orb mark which is mostly found on Austrian and South German blades. It was a typical Messerer's (cutler's) work, with the point clearly visible where the hardened edge was fire welded to the (softer) blade.
The lower section of the blade, right above the tip, was struck with a stylyzied Gothic trefoil ornament (Dreipass).

The overall length was 41.9 cm, the length of the blade 30 cm, the maximum blade width 2.9 cm right below the transverse parrying lug which was decorated with Late-Gothic checkered pattern.


As edged weapons are not my domain of collecting, I sold the fine piece a few years ago.


The attached woodcuts:

- by Albrecht Dürer, Three Peasants Talking, ca. 1500

- Johann v. Schwarzenberg, Bambergische Peinliche Halsgerichtsordnung, 1507


Enjoy.


Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

The remaining attachments.

At the bottom a late painting by Brueghel, with a Seitenwehr pictured in the left part of the picture.

Next, a detail from a Nuremberg painting Landsknechts Fleeing Death, ca. 1510.

And a woodcut Peasant's Dance, by Hans Sebald Beham, Nuremberg, 1546-7.


m

[Matchlock]

For anther good and lively discussion on the authenticity of Katzbalgers, plesase see

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...174#post141174,

posts 113 ff.

m

[Matchlock]

Close-ups from a painting by Lucas Cranach the Younger, dated 1584, in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nuremberg.
The arms and armor are of course depicted in the old traditional style of the 1540's.

As in several other instances of contemporary illustrative sources of period artwork, the artist even considered depicting the characteristic cross and orb mark - plus, near the tip, a typical wavy, serpent-like ornament - on the blade of the saber!!!

Please note that the hilts of both arms are blackened!


Author's photos, 1995.


See also
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...714#post141714


Best,
m

[Matchlock]

A Katzbalger of characteristic type, the forte of the blade fullered, the bone nodus of the hilt damaged; early 16th c.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nurembeg.

m