2009 Antique Sword
2009) A Highly Sought After Exceptional Swiss Bastard Sword circa 1560:
Introduction: This is a highly sought-after sword by collectors that seldom makes it to the collectors’ market. This example is in superb condition, massive, officers’ grade, and decorated with the Hand of Malchus”.
In other words, this sword has everything going for it! A sword such as this one would have been used by a high-ranking member of the dreaded Swiss Reislaufer mercenaries.
Description: Constructed with a hilt containing recurved quillons, knuckle guard, ring guard, and a reverse conical spiral pommel. Curved blade with a triple fuller. Massive blade which bears the “Hand with Malchus” mark, a signature of the Stäntler workshop, which is highly sought after.
Approximate Length: 48.5 inches.
Comparables:
-ZHW Vol. 6, pp. 264-277, 303-313.
-Seitz, Blank weapons I, pp. 359/60. -Schneider, swords.
– Swiss State Museum, Cat. No. 24 with Fig., L 113.
-Wallace collection item A489.
Illustrations:
– Circle/School of Federico Zuccaro 1557-1609: A Swiss Halberdier, standing slightly to the right, and a separate study of his left hand and of the halberdier. Red chalk, on two sheets conjoined.
-The first known illustration with this typology of thumb ring is in the portrait of Melchior Hornlocher by Hans Bock I, dated 1577 (Basle oeffentliche Kunstsammlung, inv NR 80).
Discussion: The term “bastard sword” is first recorded in France during a 17th-century duel. In Marc de Vulson’s 17th century treatise “Vray Theatre d’Honneur”, he describes the weapons used in a dual 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.
Hilts varied throughout their evolution. Until circa 1550, most hilts on German bastard swords were cruciform, with some featuring S-shaped guards. After circa 1550, some hilts became more elaborate. From circa 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 grew larger in medieval Europe, billets of steel (a solid length of steel) grew accordingly. 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,
Conclusion: An exceptionally rare and highly sought-after sword typology that is seldom found in the collectors’ market. This one is even more sought after by its exceptional size and condition. I believe this is only the second one I have had in 40 years. If you have ever wanted one of these exceptional rarities, ACT-NOW! I will probably not get another and certainly not in this majestic size, condition, or officer’s grade.
Don’t wait, and above all, ACT-NOW. !!!*.
All my items come with the following:
–Free shipping.
–10-day review period.
–Certificate of Authenticity.
–Autographed copy of my book.
–In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariff, so you pay the least.
I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW!!!*