"Crab-Hilt" Sword

Culture German (blade)

Culture Italian (hilt)

Artist Georg Knecht (German)

Date1600–1625

Mediumsteel, iron and wood

Dimensions105.7 × 88.9 cm (41 5/8 × 35 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsObverse forte marked "+ GIO KNEGT +" & on reverse "+ IN + SOLINGEN +"

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.300

DescriptionSteel double edge slightly tapering hollow-ground, flattened hexagonal section blade becoming elliptical about 1/4 below hilt to acute point. Crab-claw type iron hilt with pair of concentric side rings, larger of which is completely filled by shell-shaped fluted plate. Quillons tightly scrolled towards blade. Elongated oval pommel vertically faceted with truncated conical necked iron button with short flanged neck at base of pommel. Iron wire wrapped wooden grip with "Turks' heads" & tapering towards pommel.
ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell; purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 74. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014

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