A Hand and a Half

[Ed]

And what is that bloody mark?

It is reminiscent of the eagle proof on german firearms.

[ulfberth]

Thank you for your reply. The blade mark isn't clear enough to distinguish with certainty, but there are similar marks in the book Armi Bianci Italiane circa 1560, though not the same one.
These types of swords were not worn by ordinary soldiers, but by lords and knights. There are several swords of this genre in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, all belonging to noblemen.
However, it is definitely a sword for combat, not for ceremonial use. I agree that it is in unmolested condition as found; a truly beautiful piece!

[urbanspaceman]

Forgive my possibly ignorant question: is it possible this is an actual Andrea Ferarra blade?
A thing of wonder, non-the-less.

[Ed]

I doubt it. I think the mention is totemic.

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

Forgive my possibly ignorant question: is it possible this is an actual Andrea Ferarra blade?
A thing of wonder, non-the-less.

Yes, it's a blade from the maker himself. The sword's hilt dates from the mid-16th century, as does the shape and type of the blade. The other symbols in the blade's fullers all date from around 1540-1550.

[urbanspaceman]

As I said before - but now even more so: a thing of wonder!
Thanks Dirk.

[Armadillo]

This is a beautiful sword in wonderful condition. What a piece to own. Thank you for the close-up photos of the developed guard and pommel. Could you perhaps provide some dimensions for the sword: overall length, blade length, width at Ricasso?
-A.

[Ed]

Sorry ... I have been wool gathering ...

3lb 8oz
Length o/a = 47"
Blade=38.25"
Cross guard= 10"
Grip = 6"

I noted that the Christie's description description describes it as "composite". I see not evidence of that.

Thoughts?