Katzbalgers and Related Landsknecht Swords

[cornelistromp]

I apologize if I kick someone against the sore leg, my personal opinion in all frankness.
some style attributes, especially on the guard and ricasso block, combined with the extreme rarity of this type make me suspect that this is probably a later reproduction.(20thst or 19th century)

Only two authentic swords of this type are known to me;

- one in the Berliner Zeughaus, published by G. Hitl, p.58 waffensammlung Nr.334 and Mueller/koelling/Platow, Europaische Hieb und Stich Waffen p.189 Nr. 96.

- Another one sold by Hermann Historica 19 mai 2001 lot 64

best,

[Foxbat]

No apology is needed, we are all entitled to our opinions. In addition things like auction records are not 100% reliable, as some of us have discovered. Having this sword in my hands, I rule out 19th or 20th century replica idea. Could it possibly be a very early, perhaps even a period, composite? Yes. My level of expertise does not go that far.

[cornelistromp]

I do not expect it to be a composite from the 16th century. I can say with reasonable certainty that the guard is much later.
it may be of course the case that original parts are used, for example, the blade and/or the grip.
However, the patina, colour and pitting of the blade are almost identical to the other sword, this is highly unusual, Do they come from the same source?

It is difficult to give some kind of (final) opinion merely based on the posted pictures, if you have the opportunity and want to have more certainty, I would advice to submit it to a specialist of the well known auction houses;
Thomas del mar, Bonhams or Hermann Historica. A first impression they can give on the basis of photographs.

best,

[cornelistromp]

Two soil finds from the Netherlands, the katzbalger is 87cm and the sword is 94cm allover.

[Matchlock]

For an undisputed original piece retaining its sheath and bodkins, please see

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17364

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

From a fine and important early painting by the Master of the Worcester Carrying of the Cross, active in Bavaria, where I live, ca. 1425.

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

A fine and rare Swiss hand-and-a-half sword with single-edged blade (double-edged for its last third, Schnepf), ca. 1530.
Sold at auction: Tom del Mar, 10 December 2008, lot 122.

Enjoy!


Best,
Michael