Hand-and-Half Sword
Germany, 1400-1430
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
“This sword is an extremely well proportioned and elegant example of a type that was in use throughout Western Europe from the late 14th century through the 15th century. The steeply pointed blade, indicating that it was primarily intended for thrusting (rather than cutting), coupled with the stiffness of the blade, made it sturdy enough for its primary function, which was to pierce plate armor. Its form is further enhanced by the slight horizontal reverse curve and dimpled decoration of the cross guard and the facetted and engraved outer face of the pommel, which bears the word ‘MARIA’, a pious invocation to the Virgin Mary. The spherical shape of the pommel and reverse curve of the cross guard are very unusual and distinctive features for a sword of this period with this type of blade.”/p>
