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Two-Handed Sword with Flamboyant Blade — Germany, second half 16th Century

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Written by: Layla FischerContributing Writer · Manuscripts & Rare Books
Arms & Armour · Catalogue no. 17335
Germany, second half 16th Century

Two-Handed Sword with Flamboyant Blade

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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The two-handed sword, originally a weapon of war for specialist infantry, is so named because two hands were required to wield it. By the late 1600s, these enormous swords assumed a largely ceremonial or bodyguard function.

Artist / MakerGermany, second half 16th Century
Date1550–1600
Culture / OriginGermany, second half 16th Century
Mediumsteel, leather and wood grip with brass rivets; bronze pommel
DimensionsOverall: 168.9 cm (66 1/2 in.); Blade: 118.7 cm (46 3/4 in.); Quillions: 50.5 cm (19 7/8 in.); Grip: 49.2 cm (19 3/8 in.); Ricasso: 26.7 cm (10 1/2 in.)
DepartmentMedieval Art
TypeArms and Armor
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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