SWEDISH HORSEMANS BROADSWORD-THIRTY YEARS WAR

This elegant sword with its slightly oval ring guard and oval inner guard dates to the second quarter of the 17th century. It would have been used by a cavalryman in armor and is made to be effective against armor. It retains considerable original polish to the blade and remains in quite crisp condition throughout. In the 17th century, Sweden was a major European power waging war against Poland and Denmark and conquering Livonia, Ingermanland (part of Russia), Karelia, Pomerania, and southern provinces. The Swedish cavalry distinguished itself at the battle of Wittstock (1636) when they, with their Scottish allies, defeated the superior forces of Frederick II. A small force feigned a frontal attack and the Germans abandoned their defenses to overwhelm them. Meanwhile, while a larger force of Swedes and Scots led by Scottish general James King encircled the Germans killing 11,000 and capturing 8,000, together, more than two thirds of the army. Blade: 33 1/4" length.

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