Excavated "Hand-and-a-Half" Sword

Datepossibly 1360–1370

Mediumsteel

Dimensions3.8 × 108.9 × 85.4 × 5.4 cm (1 1/2 × 42 7/8 × 33 5/8 × 2 1/8 in.), 2 lb, 4 oz (weight as preserved)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.449

DescriptionExcavated condition. Long, slightly tapering blade, double-edged of flattened, hexagonal section over its length. Straight crossguard of rectangular section slightly bent toward the blade. Long tang with thick discoid pommel without button. Faces of pommel have circular recess with raised dot in center. No marks visible.
Label TextThis sword is an odd one. Its blade has a rounded, convex cross-section and lacks a central fuller—a groove in the blade—which is unusual for a medieval sword. The pommel is odd too. Disc-shaped pommels are common on medieval swords, but if you look closely at this one, you’ll notice it has circular recesses instead of the more typical raised “buttons”. These unique features make us wonder: is this an unusual medieval sword or a modern fake?ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 2, 1930 from Fritz Rothschädl, Salzburg, Austria. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2104.

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