Renaissance executioner sword from Germany

Mauro · 11th October 2010, 09:45 PM

Some months ago I bought this German exectioner sword that probably was made in the XVII century. The blade is in good conditions and still very sharp. It has many engravings. A justice wheel and a hang bar inlaid with copper, the cross over skull, "IHS". At both sides of the blade there is an inscription: IN DIESER STUNDE// GOTT STEARKHE MICH: IN THIS HOUR//GOD STRENGT ME. It has a maker mark in shape of a animal, apparently a dog (?). Also engraved 2 court of arms at both sides of the blade and I shall be happy if somebody knows to which family it belong. At both sides of the perry pole iron cutted crosses ! The blade has also overall nice pitting. The complete length is ca. 113 cm (44,5 inches). Width of the blade: around ca. 4,8 cm (1,9 inches). Any additional information and comment is welcome. Is anybody able to explain the use of the three holes at the end of the blade. A feiedn told me wwere used to add weight but it is not clear how they did.

Atlantia · 11th October 2010, 10:53 PM

Spectacular. Best I've seen in private hands.
Not sure about leaning it on a skull though, thats a bit macabre.

Mauro · 11th October 2010, 11:03 PM

these photos were made by the previous owner. He received the sword from an uncle that also had the skull in his collection !!

fernando · 11th October 2010, 11:53 PM

Hi Mauro,
Excelent condition.
These swords often have one hole in the blade tip, which is used for hanging them.
I wouldn't know what the purpose is, when they have three holes

.
... but hardly for adding weight, i would say

David · 12th October 2010, 12:51 AM

Wow! Now that's somethin'!

Reichsritter · 12th October 2010, 01:40 AM

The sword in saltire was perhaps a symbol of his office, I cannot recognize the crown. At first glance a marquee hat comes to my mind.

Very interesting on the other side is the coat-of-arms of Saxony (barry of ten or and sable a crown of rue) at first look, but again after counting the horizontal bars on the shield it has only eight. Such shield I have seen on the Lords of Kuenring (a bastard line of the Duke of Saxony). Maybe the reason the crown (hat) is not Ducal.

11th October 2010, 09:45 PM	#1
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	Renaissance executioner sword from Germany Some months ago I bought this German exectioner sword that probably was made in the XVII century. The blade is in good conditions and still very sharp. It has many engravings. A justice wheel and a hang bar inlaid with copper, the cross over skull, "IHS". At both sides of the blade there is an inscription: IN DIESER STUNDE// GOTT STEARKHE MICH: IN THIS HOUR//GOD STRENGT ME. It has a maker mark in shape of a animal, apparently a dog (?). Also engraved 2 court of arms at both sides of the blade and I shall be happy if somebody knows to which family it belong. At both sides of the perry pole iron cutted crosses ! The blade has also overall nice pitting. The complete length is ca. 113 cm (44,5 inches). Width of the blade: around ca. 4,8 cm (1,9 inches). Any additional information and comment is welcome. Is anybody able to explain the use of the three holes at the end of the blade. A feiedn told me wwere used to add weight but it is not clear how they did. Attached Images Last edited by Mauro; 11th October 2010 at 10:26 PM.

12th October 2010, 01:40 AM	#6
Reichsritter Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 26	The sword in saltire was perhaps a symbol of his office, I cannot recognize the crown. At first glance a marquee hat comes to my mind. Very interesting on the other side is the coat-of-arms of Saxony (barry of ten or and sable a crown of rue) at first look, but again after counting the horizontal bars on the shield it has only eight. Such shield I have seen on the Lords of Kuenring (a bastard line of the Duke of Saxony). Maybe the reason the crown (hat) is not Ducal. Last edited by Reichsritter; 12th October 2010 at 02:56 AM.

11th October 2010, 10:53 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Spectacular. Best I've seen in private hands. Not sure about leaning it on a skull though, thats a bit macabre.

11th October 2010, 11:03 PM	#3
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	these photos were made by the previous owner. He received the sword from an uncle that also had the skull in his collection !!

11th October 2010, 11:53 PM	#4
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,641	Hi Mauro, Excelent condition. These swords often have one hole in the blade tip, which is used for hanging them. I wouldn't know what the purpose is, when they have three holes . ... but hardly for adding weight, i would say

12th October 2010, 12:51 AM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,024	Wow! Now that's somethin'!