1886 Sword
1886) RARE AND ELEGANT DECORATED MAXIMILIAN GROSSES KRIEGSMESSER, CIRCA 1520: Museum condition sword. As original as the day it was made.
Introduction: 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 found in the ground (see page 288, items 12 and 13 in my book). This is a superb above-ground example that would complement any world-class collection or museum.
Description: Constructed with a slightly curved single-edged blade with an upward turning point, triple cross marks struck at the ricasso with a maker’s mark of three dots above it, on the reverse, several star and circle marks. A horizontal, slightly swelling guard of square cross-section, and two linear thin gutters, and an upwardly curved crossguard on the obverse. The handle is constructed of iron edging with scale decoration on an integral birds-head pommel. The grip scales are black and white checkered on both sides, made of polished bone and horn, each with three carved iron rivets.
Length: 98.5 CM.
Provenance: From a renowned Austrian collection that started after WWII.
Discussion: Emperor Maximilian I was very fond of kriegsmessers and owned three on display at the Hofjagd und Rustkammer (#A123, #A145, #A173). The grosses kriegsmesser is a single-edged sword, usually with a 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 or above). Some kriegsmessers have a hook or bird’s beak pommel, others 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 or pictured above), there are five soldiers with kriegsmessers and shields. Maximilian referred to these troops as Gefecht or Fenders.
Comparable: A similar one in the world-famous Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
Conclusion: Early magnificent swords of this caliber are getting harder and harder to find in the collectors’ market. This sword makes a statement due to its elegance, design, construction, and condition. It screams grandeur, class, and style. This is an exceptional addition to any collection or museum. ACT-NOW!!!*
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