Help Identifying Sword

McQ · 25th August 2025, 06:58 PM

Hi All,

New member. I need your help and expertise to identify this sword. What is it? What if anything do the stampings suggest? Also, there is no pommel or drilled holes in the tang, so how would a grip have been attached?

The sword has a single edge with a very slight bow in the spine with the point moving up. It has an overall length of 46" with a blade length of 33 1/4" and a tang length of 12 1/2". It is 2" wide at tang base narrowing to 1 1/4" just before the point and 1/4" thick along the spine at tang. It has a 9 1/2" fuller on each side. The cross guard is 11" long with a 2" tall ring and a 7/8" diameter decorations at each end.

There are three distinct stampings on the blade as shown in the picture. One looks like a 'window-pane' or 'cartouche' that is 4 7/8" from blade base along spine. One is made up of two 'blobs' side by side that is 2 1/* from blade base along spine, and the last is a half-circle with a cross on top that looks identical to the Passau stamp belonging to the Stanley Family that is 7 7/8" from base of blade in the center of the blade.

Thanks in advance. Kirk

Gonzoadler · Yesterday, 09:01 AM

Hello,

looks like a "Kriegsmesser":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messer_(sword)

I am sure other members can answer your other questions. My expertise in weapons of this period is too limited to give proper statements.

Regards
Robin

cornelistromp · Yesterday, 12:06 PM

The sword is a variation of the Grosses Messer, in that the grip plates are not rivet-attached to the tang. Instead, the grip was secured by a pommel, pommel plate, or a metal handle-shaped end. The sword is 1-1/2- two-handed; the long grip provides sufficient counterweight for the blade. It dates from the first half of the 16th century, possibly originating in Germany. I don't see any marks that clearly point to the Stantler family. A beautiful, original piece.

for similar see
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=messer&page=2

McQ · Yesterday, 06:30 PM

Thanks for the information.

The Passau mark is in the 5 image. Cross on top of partial orb. Stantler Family.

25th August 2025, 06:58 PM	#1
McQ Member Join Date: Jul 2025 Posts: 2	Help Identifying Sword Hi All, New member. I need your help and expertise to identify this sword. What is it? What if anything do the stampings suggest? Also, there is no pommel or drilled holes in the tang, so how would a grip have been attached? The sword has a single edge with a very slight bow in the spine with the point moving up. It has an overall length of 46" with a blade length of 33 1/4" and a tang length of 12 1/2". It is 2" wide at tang base narrowing to 1 1/4" just before the point and 1/4" thick along the spine at tang. It has a 9 1/2" fuller on each side. The cross guard is 11" long with a 2" tall ring and a 7/8" diameter decorations at each end. There are three distinct stampings on the blade as shown in the picture. One looks like a 'window-pane' or 'cartouche' that is 4 7/8" from blade base along spine. One is made up of two 'blobs' side by side that is 2 1/* from blade base along spine, and the last is a half-circle with a cross on top that looks identical to the Passau stamp belonging to the Stanley Family that is 7 7/8" from base of blade in the center of the blade. Thanks in advance. Kirk Attached Images

Yesterday, 09:01 AM	#2
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 273	Hello, looks like a "Kriegsmesser": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messer_(sword) I am sure other members can answer your other questions. My expertise in weapons of this period is too limited to give proper statements. Regards Robin

Yesterday, 12:06 PM	#3
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,061	The sword is a variation of the Grosses Messer, in that the grip plates are not rivet-attached to the tang. Instead, the grip was secured by a pommel, pommel plate, or a metal handle-shaped end. The sword is 1-1/2- two-handed; the long grip provides sufficient counterweight for the blade. It dates from the first half of the 16th century, possibly originating in Germany. I don't see any marks that clearly point to the Stantler family. A beautiful, original piece. for similar see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=messer&page=2

Yesterday, 06:30 PM	#4
McQ Member Join Date: Jul 2025 Posts: 2	Thanks for the information. The Passau mark is in the 5 image. Cross on top of partial orb. Stantler Family.