Hand-and-Half Sword

Gallery 349, Arms and Armor, third floor (Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Galleries)

Main Building

Hand-and-Half Sword

c. 1475-1500

Artist/maker unknown, Italian

This is one of the finest knightly swords surviving from the late fifteenth century. Particularly outstanding are the mighty forms and harmonious proportions of its pommel and blade, the embellishment of the latter with delicate etched and gilt ornaments, and the overall condition of the entire sword, which retains its original velvet-covered grip.

Gallery 349, Arms and Armor, third floor (Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Galleries)

Object Details

Title:

Hand-and-Half Sword

Date:

c. 1475-1500

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Italian

Medium:

Iron alloy (steel), etched and partially gilded; copper alloy; wood; textile (velvet); cord

Dimensions:

11 15/16 × 46 3/4 inches, 2 pounds 8.6 ounces (30.3 × 118.7 cm, 1150g)

Classification:

Arms and Armor

Credit Line:

Bequest of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1977

Accession Number:

1977-167-543

Geography:

Made in Italy, Europe Possibly made in Milan, Italy, Europe Possibly made in Venice, Italy, Europe

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Gallery 349, Arms and Armor, third floor (Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Galleries)

Main Building

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