1844 Antique Sword

1844) QUINTESSENTIAL DECORATED WAR BASTARD SWORD CIRCA 1550: German or Austrian, a superb addition to any museum or world-class collection looking for a truly exceptional war bastard sword.

Introduction: This is a true war bastard sword that can be wielded with one or two hands.

Description: Hilt constructed with a complex knuckle, and finger guard constructed on two defensive side rings, a spiral fluted spherical pommel, undulated swelling quillon tips, a thick, slow tapering blade decorated with large X’s on one side and angulated decorations with punch marks, a two-stage hock bottle leather grip probably a working life replacement.

Length: Approximately 50 inches.

Condition: Very good, but with some pitting, as expected from a 475-year-old sword.

Comparables: There are numerous examples in museums worldwide. For a near identical example, please see page 294 (5) in my book.

Provenance: From a distinguished Austrian collection of many years.

Discussion: A bastard (or hand and a half sword as later called by Victorian collectors or Anderthalbhander in German) is a combination of a short two-handed sword that can be wielded like a one-handed sword. It cuts and thrusts with a broad or long double-edged blade. Additional power can be employed by using (A) the pommel and the related lower area of the hilt below the pommel as a grip for a two-handed strike in order to increase impact and penetration. Actual period bastard swords are rare.

The term bastard sword is first recorded in France during a duel in the 17th century. In Marc de Vulson’s 17th century treatise “Vray Theatre d’Honneur”, he describes the weapons used in a duel fought before King Henry II of France in 1549 as follows: Deux epees batardes pouvant server a une main ou a deux (Two bastard swords that can be used with one hand or two). I prefer the term “bastard sword” since this is the original term and not one concocted by the Victorians. It’s interesting to note that the ballock dagger (a vulgar word for testicles) was renamed the kidney dagger around the same time. They first appeared circa 1250 until circa 1650. They were widely used in Germany and Switzerland but more prevalent towards the end with the Central European Cavalry.

Hilts varied throughout their evolution. Until circa 1550, most hilts on German bastard swords were cruciform in shape, with some having S-shaped guards. After circa 1550, some hilts became more elaborate. From approximately 1550, Swiss bastard sword hilts featured recurved quillons, knuckle guards, and ring guards. Blades were slightly curved, having developed somewhat from the Swiss saber (Schweizersabel). Prior to c1250 and the development of the bastard sword, swords were designed as arming swords with their use limited to one-handed use. Since they were knightly weapons, they were frequently used from horseback.

Sword length during this period varied from approximately 35 to 40 inches; after c1250, length increased to approximately 45 to 55 inches. So why did it take until the early 1300s for the bastard sword to flourish?

Primarily, there are two significant reasons:

1) For the same reason, full metal defensive armor and two-handed swords did not develop until the same period. As furnaces got bigger in medieval Europe, billets of steel (a solid length of steel) accordingly increased in size. With bigger billets, swords could now be made with fewer (but larger) billets of steel. Eventually reaching the apex of one billet per sword. Larger furnaces generally meant higher temperatures, better steel, faster production, and probably less expensive to manufacture on a large-scale basis.

2) As the master armorer evolved defensive armor, his counterpart, the swordsmith, did the same with larger and more specialized swords of superior quality and design. This was the weapons race of its day.

Conclusion: All collectors love bastard swords. I believe every collection should have at least one; it’s in the true spirit of the military of the Medieval and Renaissance periods. This is an exceptional sword , from its construction was used by a wealthy or high-ranking person. It’s very reasonably priced in order to be sold immediately. Even the most discriminating aficionado or curator will recognize the value and importance of this sword. ACT NOW and avoid disappointment!!!*

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