Katzbalgers and Related Landsknecht Swords

Matchlock · 6th May 2012, 01:15 AM

Thank you so much, Samuel,

Although I regret mistyping Scanderbeg's name.

I do wish you would come in here more often but I know of course you are very busy. It's a good thing to now that you still read the posts.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 2nd June 2012, 04:40 PM

A Landsknecht hand-and-a-half sword, from a painting of the decapitation of St. John, by the master of the Attel altarpiece, ca. 1480-90.

m

Matchlock · 4th June 2012, 02:50 AM

St. George and the Dragon; sculpture from The Tyrol, ca. 1500.
Bavarian National Museum Munich.

m

Matchlock · 13th June 2012, 03:14 PM

The lot, comprising two items, failed to sell at auction at the Dorotheum, Vienna, yesterday.

Although the pommel is missing from the sword we may analogously assume that it was shaped to match that of the bodkin. The latter, of course, was part of the 'byknives' originally contained in separate compartments of the sheath.

m

Matchlock · 14th June 2012, 03:17 PM

I forgot to add that the blade of the Dorotheum sword is single-edged.

m

cornelistromp · 14th June 2012, 03:43 PM

Of course all the "Langes Messer" are single edged, although that some have a two-edged point.

best,

Matchlock · 14th June 2012, 04:16 PM

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

6th May 2012, 01:15 AM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Thank you so much, Samuel, Although I regret mistyping Scanderbeg's name. I do wish you would come in here more often but I know of course you are very busy. It's a good thing to now that you still read the posts. Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 6th May 2012 at 04:22 PM.

2nd June 2012, 04:40 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Landsknecht hand-and-a-half sword, from a painting of the decapitation of St. John, by the master of the Attel altarpiece, ca. 1480-90. m Attached Images

4th June 2012, 02:50 AM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	St. George and the Dragon; sculpture from The Tyrol, ca. 1500. Bavarian National Museum Munich. m Attached Images

13th June 2012, 03:14 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Grosses Messer, Excavated Together With its Bodkin, Late 15th Century The lot, comprising two items, failed to sell at auction at the Dorotheum, Vienna, yesterday. Although the pommel is missing from the sword we may analogously assume that it was shaped to match that of the bodkin. The latter, of course, was part of the 'byknives' originally contained in separate compartments of the sheath. m Attached Images

14th June 2012, 03:17 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	I forgot to add that the blade of the Dorotheum sword is single-edged. m

14th June 2012, 03:43 PM	#6
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,060	Of course all the "Langes Messer" are single edged, although that some have a two-edged point. best,

14th June 2012, 04:16 PM	#7
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	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