Two-Handed Sword

Cultureperhaps German

Datelate 1500s

Mediumsteel, iron, wood, leather and wool

Dimensions157 cm (61 13/16 in.), 6 lb, 1 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Markings1 lug with spurious Toledo mark of "OP(?)" under crown.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.280

DescriptionBlade like WAM 2014.281. Crude wide crossguard slightly curved towards blade with tightly coiled terminals, open side rings with small ogival plates at their centers. Leather-covered balustered wooden grip with red woolen tufts at either end. Squat conical pommel tapering at its ends with button & incised vertically into 5 facets.
Label Text“The two-handed sword … is used in warfare to defend the banner, because it can defend it by the combat of one against many; and in the city it is carried by night and day, for use when a few have to defend against many.” Giacomo di Grassi, Discourse on the Use of Arms, 1570ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell; purchased by John W. Higgins on November 30, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 75. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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