RARE ITALIAN GOTHIC TWO HAND SWORD, LATE 15TH CENTURY

Venice C.1490.  A form which evolved and was used in Southern Germany, Switzerland and Northern Italy. In Germany and Switzerland, it was known as a Kreigsmesser. The Italian form as here is varied with a curved single edged blade. See Armi Bianci Italia, Boccia, #134 for a fine Italian example. A sword of this type was made by Hans Sumersperger for Emperor Maximillian in 1496. The Triumph of Maximillian, a wood cut series by Hans Burgkmair of about 1515 depicts the Imperial Guard in Vienna armed with these swords. This example is 47 1’/2” length with 40 ½” single edged wedge section blade. The straight cross guard includes the characteristic rudimentary side guard. The tang extends for broad wood grip scales one of which is intact and the pommel is forms as a cap.