These iconic weapons are most commonly associated with 16th century Swiss and German mercenaries, collectively known as "landsknechte", while the wielders of these great swords were known as "doppelsoldner" which roughly translates to "double pay men". These Doppelsoldner were often either those skilled with ranged weapons or with the Zweihander which was used to break through enemy pike formations, the dangerous task earning them their "double pay". This example is on the large end of the spectrum for typical zweihanders, weighing in at 7 pounds 4.8 ounces and is a processional sword. It has a massive double edged blade with a central ridge terminating in an abrupt point and a 12 inch long ricasso with two large "parierhaken" or "parrying hooks". The iron crossguard has two long quillions terminating in lilies and a large side ring on each side. The 14 inch grip is grooved and leather wrapped with brown tassels at the top and bottom and fitted with a large "scent stopper" type pommel. It measurements are: 67 1/8 inches overall, 38 inch edged blade, and a 50 inch overall blade.

Very good. The blade showing mostly bright with some evidence of light cleaning/sharpening and some scattered light pitting and minor nicks in the edge. The iron shows a dark aged black/brown patina. The grip retains almost all of the leather wrap which shows wear and age related cracking.