German parade sword

Tim Simmons · 18th November 2012, 10:38 AM

Not all of us have the opportunity to travel so I think it is good to show interesting things from around the world for all to see. I was lucky and made a visit to the- German History Museum Berlin- where this most interesting parade sword is displayed. Quite difficult to get a good picture of, being stuck at the back of a right angle of display glass. I could not get a picture of the information. I would imagine it is some form of renaissance city state regalia and would have be most expensive.

Truely fantastic?

M ELEY · 18th November 2012, 11:06 AM

OK, I am stumped?!

This is the snout of a saw-fish, right? The pics are dark, so perhaps I'm wrong? Sawfish snouts were used in the Polynesian colonies (Kingsmill Isles for sure, among others) to make wicked swords, but I know some sailors also made ship-board bric-a-brac swords not really meant for combat. How on earth did such a finely wrought hilt end up with such an odd attachment?

Actually, looking at the grip, with its fur tufts, I'm beginning to wonder if this might be a composite sword perhaps made by indiginous tribes using left-over parts?? This is a weird one, but fascinating!!

M ELEY · 18th November 2012, 11:13 AM

I know there was a movement in Europe during the 16th-18th c. where naturally occurring "media" were being used, i.e. narwhale tusks for sword grips on claymores, but perhaps I'm still out in the weeds...

Shimmerxxx · 18th November 2012, 02:25 PM

Wow, I've not seen something like that before! At first I wondered if that was the actual blade or just the scabbard?

A shame you couldn't take a photo of the accompanying information, but perhaps there is mention of it on the museum's website....

Update...

Yes there is, and a clearer photo, but not much in the way of information sadly.

Production

1551/1600 (Gefäß)

Measurements

Width: 42 (Parierstange) cm
Length: 169,3 cm
Length: 114,5 (Klinge) cm

Material / Technique

Eisen, Holz
gekehlt

Here is the museum page for this sword

Hope this helps, and thanks for posting the photos.

fernando · 18th November 2012, 03:01 PM

A bizarre example indeed but ... why the attribution 'German parade sword' ?

Tim Simmons · 18th November 2012, 03:28 PM

I imagine because-

1. It is from the Museum of German History. A walk round display from ancient times to reunification.

2. It would not be good against amour but you could slice into peasants.

18th November 2012, 10:38 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	German parade sword Not all of us have the opportunity to travel so I think it is good to show interesting things from around the world for all to see. I was lucky and made a visit to the- German History Museum Berlin- where this most interesting parade sword is displayed. Quite difficult to get a good picture of, being stuck at the back of a right angle of display glass. I could not get a picture of the information. I would imagine it is some form of renaissance city state regalia and would have be most expensive. Truely fantastic? Attached Images

18th November 2012, 02:25 PM	#4
Shimmerxxx Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Wickford, UK Posts: 54	Wow, I've not seen something like that before! At first I wondered if that was the actual blade or just the scabbard? A shame you couldn't take a photo of the accompanying information, but perhaps there is mention of it on the museum's website.... Update... Yes there is, and a clearer photo, but not much in the way of information sadly. Production 1551/1600 (Gefäß) Measurements Width: 42 (Parierstange) cm Length: 169,3 cm Length: 114,5 (Klinge) cm Material / Technique Eisen, Holz gekehlt Here is the museum page for this sword Hope this helps, and thanks for posting the photos. Attached Images Last edited by Shimmerxxx; 18th November 2012 at 02:39 PM. Reason: update

18th November 2012, 11:06 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,066	OK, I am stumped?! This is the snout of a saw-fish, right? The pics are dark, so perhaps I'm wrong? Sawfish snouts were used in the Polynesian colonies (Kingsmill Isles for sure, among others) to make wicked swords, but I know some sailors also made ship-board bric-a-brac swords not really meant for combat. How on earth did such a finely wrought hilt end up with such an odd attachment? Actually, looking at the grip, with its fur tufts, I'm beginning to wonder if this might be a composite sword perhaps made by indiginous tribes using left-over parts?? This is a weird one, but fascinating!!

18th November 2012, 11:13 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,066	I know there was a movement in Europe during the 16th-18th c. where naturally occurring "media" were being used, i.e. narwhale tusks for sword grips on claymores, but perhaps I'm still out in the weeds...

18th November 2012, 03:01 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,639	A bizarre example indeed but ... why the attribution 'German parade sword' ?

18th November 2012, 03:28 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	I imagine because- 1. It is from the Museum of German History. A walk round display from ancient times to reunification. 2. It would not be good against amour but you could slice into peasants.