Page 176 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1363
Desirable Massive German 16th Century Style Zweihander - 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.
CONDITION: 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.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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LOT 1364
Engraved German/Swiss Style Zweihander Sword - These long two-handed swords became popular among Swiss and German mercenaries known as “landsknechtes”, primarily during the 16th century, and collectively became known as “zweihanders”. This example shows traits of the earlier pattern zweihanders in that it lacks parrying hooks (parierhaken), has a comparatively short blade, and has a simple cross style guard. The blade is 39 1/2 inches long and 2 1/4 inches wide at the ricasso, with a flattened central ridge and a triple fuller on the lower 7 inches. The bottom half of each side of the blade is embellished with fine floral, scroll, and mythical beast engraving, along with lily/fleur-de-lis makers marks and a panel towards the top of the engraving with two different sets of unknown rune-like characters. The guard has straight quillions with small knob finials and a side
ring on each side. The contoured hardwood handle is leather wrapped, and the pommel is mushroom/scent stopper shaped. CONDITION: Fine, showing mostly a bright grey patina with some patches of darker grey/ light pitting and brown oxidation scattered throughout, the pommel mostly brown oxidation, and some scattered minor nicks in the blade. The leather is mostly present and showing age related cracking and drying. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1365
Scarce Relic Grade Maker’s Marked 14th Century German Style Longsword - Widespread depictions of this type
of longsword or great sword are found frequently in 14th century German,
English, and Spanish art. Swords of this type began to appear as early as the 12th century and remained popular into the 15th century. Having a wide, long blade with nearly parallel edges and a single fuller that appears to run approximately half the length. This example would likely be classified as an Oakshott Type XIIIa rather than XIII as it has a longer 35 5/8 inch blade (longer if the tip was present) and 6 5/8 inch grip more conducive to use as a two-handed weapon. The blade was likely originally closer to 40 inches in length before the tip was lost to time. Each side
of the blade 5 inches above the guard is marked with a brass inlaid marker’s mark consisting of a decorated great helm, and
it is fitted with a simple cross guard. Traces of the original wood grip can be seen near the heavy Oakshott Type J chamfered disk
LOT 1366
Large 16th Century German
Flanged Mace - The 16th century
in Western Europe saw plate armour reach its pinnacle, and along with it,
the need for weapons to defeat it. Two distinct schools of thought were born from this, the first being thinner, stiff, thrusting swords capable of finding and exploiting the tiny gaps in the armour, and the second being weapons capable of smashing through the armour or at least causing incapacitating trauma to the wearer. This mace is a prime example of the second school of thought and became a very popular and economical weapon during the period. The head on this example features six large flanges brazed on with a copper alloy, each with a prominent point capable of collapsing the steel plates of armour, and there is
a prominent spike at the tip. The shaft is also steel and carved with a spiral pattern on the grip area and scale motif on the
pommel. remainder and a finial on the butt.
CONDITION: Good as in relic condition showing a mixture of blackened iron and brown oxidation, the tip absent, and a number of chips absent, some creating holes in the blade. The guard is detached but retained on the hilt. The maker’s mark on both sides is still clearly visible. A scarce archaeological find!
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,250
CONDITION: Fine, showing mostly a dark grey patina with some of the bright copper alloy brazing visible and some pitting scattered throughout and mild wear. A fine example of a 16th century solution to plate armour!
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250