1361) GERMAN GREAT WAR KNIFE CIRCA 1450 WITH ORIGINAL GRIP:
Discussion: In German, grosses kriegsmesser translates to “large/great war knife.” This uniquely distinguishable type of sword was popular in Hungary and had a strong following in Germany, where, in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was adopted for warfare. They are somewhat rare, and most examples are ground finds, such as this example under discussion. Emperor Maximilian I was very fond of them and owned three on display at the Hofjagd und Rustkammer (#A123, #A145, #A173). The grosses kriegsmesser is a single-edged sword, usually with a slight to strong curvature on the blade, which qualifies it as a saber. The “saber” is believed to have been introduced to Eastern and Central Europe by Central Asian nomadic invaders as early as the 6th century (see page 267 in my book). Some kriegsmessers have a hook or bird’s beak pommel; others, such as this example, have no pommel at all, and some have a pommel built into the tang. The kriegsmesser is believed to have been exported to Western Europe from the Hungarian Bohemian region or current-day Hungary. In the woodcut Triumph of Maximilian (see page 408 in my book), there are five soldiers with kriegsmessers and shields. Maximilian referred to these troops as Gefecht or Fenders.
Description: The cruciform hilt of this kriegsmesser dates the sword to circa 1450–1510. Under the Norman Classification, this is a Type 9. It retains its original wooden grip; it never had a pommel. A kriegsmesser such as this can be used with two hands. The quillons expand at the tips. The fullers are not visible because of corrosion.
Length: 41 in.
Provenance: Found in a bog in Hungary.
Publication: The Collectors Course On Medieval Arms and Armor, Andrew F. Garcia, 2022, page 288.
Conclusion: If a sword like this could speak, who knows what story it could tell? Medieval swords with original grips are seldom available, and when they are, they are expensive. This sword may not be in museum condition, but it’s priced very inexpensively, under $3K, and ideal for the modest collector who has always wanted a real and important piece of European military history but could not afford it. The price includes the following: 1) Free shipping. 2) Ten-day review period from the date of receipt. 3) Certificate of Authenticity. 4) Autographed copy of my book where your new sword appears!!!*