2083 Antique Sword
2083) A Fine Decorated Hand and a Half Sword Circa 1570 With Punch Marks and Inscriptions:
Introduction: This sword is an excellent representation of an exceptional European side-sword of hand-and-a-half proportions. Possibly Spanish or Italian. It dates from the Renaissance period, 1530–1630. Its distinct architectural, decorative, and epigraphic features allow it to be meticulously cataloged and described.
Description: Constructed with straight, flat-section cross-quillons that broaden slightly toward the terminals, ending in small button finials. Branching from the quillon block is a double side-ring configuration that forms a symmetrical, looping complex guard, or pas d’âne assembly. One side features an embellished, wide, almond-shaped central escutcheon or guard plate decorated with dense stippling or cross-hatched punch marks. The grip swells into a spindle-shaped wooden core wrapped tightly with multi-strand wire-wrap composed of twisted and straight metal wire strands (replaced), bounded by Turk’s-head knots at the top and bottom to ensure a secure, high-friction grip.
The pommel is a heavy reverse conical form, featuring a strongly faceted, octagonal cross-section that tapers sharply toward the grip. The upper section terminates in a stepped cap holding a distinct button-like peen block. The facets are subtly detailed with delicate vertical incised lines or punch borders.
It has a long, wide, double-edged blade with a flattened hexagonal or diamond section, featuring a shallow, broad fuller near the forte. The fuller is beautifully framed by formal Renaissance scrollwork, tendrils, and floral engraving patterns.
Deeply etched into the fuller in a classic capitalized Roman script separated by decorative multi-point stars is the historic Spanish monarchical motto:
(Translating to: “One God, One Law, and One King”), a motto heavily tied to Spanish hegemony, religious unity, and military order during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Condition: Museum condition. Shows a couple of dings on the blade from use.
Approximate length: 46 inches.
Provenance: From the collection of Gottlob Herbert Bidermann, Stuttgart/Aachen, Germany. Herr Bidermann was one of Europe’s most prominent collectors of Arms and Armor. He wrote several books on Medieval and Renaissance Arms and Armor. He was appointed court expert on Medieval/Renaissance Arms and Armor by the German Government (Öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter Sachverständiger für Historische Waffen).
Discussion: This is a true war bastard sword that can be wielded with one or two hands. 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 the pommel and the related lower area of the hilt below the pommel as a grip for a two-hand strike to increase impact and penetration.
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 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 c. 1250, 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 lower manufacturing costs 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, especially decorated ones. I believe every collection should have at least one; it’s in the true spirit of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
This sword is priced very reasonably and should sell quickly. From a novice collector to the most discriminating aficionado, this is a great value, dollar for dollar. ACT NOW and avoid disappointment!!!*
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!!!*