1534) GERMAN BROADSWORD WITH SCALLOPED SHELL GUARD CIRCA 1600: This is a fine example of a popular sword used throughout Western Europe in the late 1500s and early 1600s. Very reasonably priced under $3K, with free shipping, a 10-day review period, and a copy of my book.
Discussion: As the metal gauntlet became passe, the rapier/sword now needed a new way to protect the hand. The most common was the cup hilt. However, other esoteric examples evolved. The shell guard on this sword falls into this category. The shell guard was designed to protect the hand; the wide blade is suitable for slashing and thrusting but shorter than the rapidly evolving rapier. “Broadsword” is a Victorian term not used in the Medieval or Renaissance periods. The term was created to differentiate between the thin-bladed civilian rapier and the shorter but wider-bladed military swords like Scottish swords, Schiavonas, Tessaks, etc.
Description: Long, wide, curving single-edged blade with a long, double-edged point, fuller at the top running concurrently with the false edge about two-thirds the length of the blade, steel hilt vertically recurved quillons with circular-shaped tips, shell-shaped knuckle guard, shell-shaped inner ring guard, thumb loop; beautiful, circular pommel. Old replaced grip with Turks Heads. Length: 35 inches.
Comparable: a near identical example is found in the Royal Collection at the Tower of London.
Conclusion: A very elegant broadsword that would make a great addition to any collection. Very well priced for a quick sale!!!*