1660) EXCEPTIONALY RARE NORMAN TYPE 41 SWORD WITH ORIGINAL GRIP CIRCA 1560: This is the only example of a Norman type 41 that I have had in 35 years!

Introduction: This rare typology of military sword was used from 1475 to 1620. Based on the blade, I have dated it circa 1560. After the third quarter of the 1500s, the typology began to lose popularity and fell out of fashion completely after 1620. 

Discussion: This was a military war sword, not a civilian rapier. In the painting The Life of St. Benedict by Signorelli at Monte Oliveto Maggiore of Sienna (1497-1501), this typology of sword is carried by the infantry but not by King Totilia, pictured above. The earliest example of this rare typology can almost certainly be seen in the painting “St Michael” by Pintoricchio, painted 1473-1481, formally in the Museum der Bildenden Kunste Leipzig. Sadly, the painting was destroyed during WWII. A nearly identical sword to the one under discussion can be found in the painting “The Martyrdom of St Ursula” by Vittore Carpaccio, dated 1493, preserved at the Academia Venice (Inv # 380), pictured above.

Description: Constructed with a tapering blade with a medial ridge, wheel-shaped pommel with square finial, what appears to be an original or working life leather grip, expanding at the ends rectangular guard with curvatures at the tip and facing in opposite directions, quillon block in a chevron shape with two gutters on each side,  knuckle guard extending to the pommel, two finger guards and a ring guard. Condition very good, perhaps slightly over cleaned. Dimensions: total length 41 inches, blade 35 inches.

Comparables:

-Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession # 14.25.1169 (pl 7).

-The State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg, Z.O. # 1950.

– An exceptionally ornate example signed by Damianus de nerve is preserved in The Waffensammlung in Vienna Inv. #A586.

Conclusion: For the collector who wants the rare of the rare, here it is. This sword has a very elegant design. It’s the only one of this typology I have had in 35 years. ACT NOW, or you could be very disappointed. I have no idea if I will ever have another. I believe you will be very….very…. pleased.

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