Bearing Sword

Culture German , Passau

Date1400s–1500s, refurbished early 1600s

Mediumsteel, brass, wood, velvet

Dimensions213.7 × 11 × 45 cm (84 1/8 × 4 5/16 × 17 11/16 in.)
14 lb, 11 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsFuller inscribed "INRI" (Latin abbrevation for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"). Pair of stamped marks to either side of fuller. Each has a device of a horizontal, flattened "S"-like base, from the back of which arises a Latin cross, within a recessed shield with slight "neck above. One face with Passau stamps of "bishop's crosier" & "running wolf" marks, also cut into both faces of forte.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.41

DescriptionMassive double-edged blade of hollow-ground, flattened hexagonal section, tapering to slightly rounded tip, 158.8 cm long. Shallow, wide axially central fuller on both faces, extending for about 3/4 of the length. The blade develops a flattened elliptical section from here to the slightly rounded tip. Both fullers have 6 incised cabalistic or talismanic symbols retaining traces of brass inlay. Forte of both sides of blade has a rectangular framing formed by incised floral decoration of later date now very worn, and ending in a fleur-de-lis at either end, pointed down the blade. Near this, and to either side of the fuller, is a pair of stamped marks on both faces. The mark is within a recessed shield which has a slight "neck" above and has a horizontal, flattened "s"-like base, from the neck of which arises a Latin cross. The fuller is inscribed INRI.

Cruciform hilt with long straight crossguard of flattened rectangular section decorated like forte. This floral decoration was believed by Claude Blair to be a working life addition, possibly of 17th century date.

The cruciform hilt has a long iron crossguard which is straight and of uniform depth to its straight ends. It is of rectangular section, swelling at the blade. It is decorated en suite with the forte motif, and is also badly worn. Long wooden grip (possibly original, or working life) with necked swelling at mid-height & covered in worn red velvet. Stout octagonal pommel, faceted on front and rear, with shallow central depression on both faces. The tang of the sword protrudes at the top, and is peaned nearly flat.
Label TextThis oversized sword is too big to be useful in battle. It is a ceremonial weapon, possibly carried by a royal bodyguard. Similar swords were carried by the bodyguards of Henry IV and Henry V of England in the early 1400s. The huge blade and brass-inlaid decoration were meant to be visible from a distance during ceremonial occasions. Below the inscription "INRI" (the Latin initials for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"), is an abstract "running wolf" shape used by the blademaking center of Passau. Known for high-quality blades since the late Roman period, Passau's fame spread beyond Europe and into Asia and Africa.ProvenanceGiulia P. Morosini (Riverdale, NY; probably from her father's collection) Theodore Offerman (NYC). He purchased lot #240 at the Morosini sale, American Art Association (NYC) on October 10, 1932 which included the sword. Purchased by Museum on January 31, 1933 from Theodore Offerman (NYC). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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