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This long and elegant weapon is highlighted by the hardwood grip and would be able to deliver lightning fast blows with two hands. Though the guard is somewhat typical we found the pommel unusual and interesting. The long blade is well-tempered and effective in the cut as well as the thrust. Comes complete with scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. #500946 $245
Overall-46 1/2" Blade-36" long, 1 7/8" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-3 lbs. 6 oz.
Can be seen in the book: "Arms & Armor From The Atelier Of Ernst Schmdt Munich" by E. Andrew Mowbary. .
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The Landsknecht were started by the Emperor Maximilian to answer the Swiss Pikemen who were dominating the battlefields of Europe. Noted not only for their bright flamboyant clothing, the Landsknechts quickly evolved into an elite mercenary force whose fighting spirit and ferocity closely matched the Swiss themselves. Like all pikemen of the period, the Landsknechts carried a shorter sidearm called a Kaltzbalger (Cat gutter). This sword often had a small knife and bodkin point for various utilitarian purposes, not the least of which was eating. In the brutal and murderous confusion of battle, the kaltzbalger was a very effective sword. Short enough for close combat, yet long enough for slashing and cutting, it proved itself effective on many a battlefield. The sword was equipped with a large figure eight guard, which indicates that the sword was often used to slap attacking blades aside using the flat of the blade. The guard protected the hand if the opposing sword should slide down the blade. The blade is of high carbon steel, as are the knife and bodkin. Grip is wood, covered with leather, and the furniture is also steel. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Includes scabbard. #500870 $195
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Not all of the "double pay" soldiers carried the large two hander with the parrying hooks on the blade. Some opted for smaller, quicker two-handers. Most all of the officers carried these swords, and the great Landsnecht Captain, George Frundsberg, is known to have carried one on his last campaign (at the tender age of 82). These swords are larger than the standard hand-and-a-half swords, and are intended for two hands. In the wild melee after the initial clash of the pikes, there was little room for any fancy sword work, just brutal chopping, and these swords were quite good for that! Strong, wide blades were capable of denting and crushing the toughest armor. This was the period of the infantry, when the armored knight was being replaced, and the firearm had not yet shown its fearsome abilities. The foot soldier, wearing armor, but not fully encased in steel, was vulnerable to the sword and axe. We have selected two swords that represent the type carried by these fearsome mercenaries. Both are of high carbon steel. Wood grips are covered with leather. Steel pommels and crossguards. Includes scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
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Not all of the "double pay" soldiers carried the large two hander with the parrying hooks on the blade. Some opted for smaller, quicker two-handers. Most all of the officers carried these swords, and the great Landsnecht Captain, George Frundsberg, is known to have carried one on his last campaign (at the tender age of 82). These swords are larger than the standard hand-and-a-half swords, and are intended for two hands. In the wild melee after the initial clash of the pikes, there was little room for any fancy sword work, just brutal chopping, and these swords were quite good for that! Strong, wide blades were capable of denting and crushing the toughest armor. This was the period of the infantry, when the armored knight was being replaced, and the firearm had not yet shown its fearsome abilities. The foot soldier, wearing armor, but not fully encased in steel, was vulnerable to the sword and axe. We have selected two swords that represent the type carried by these fearsome mercenaries. Both are of high carbon steel. Wood grips are covered with leather. Steel pommels and crossguards. Includes scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
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Just as the German Landsknecht has his Katzbalger, so did the Swiss Pikeman depend on his Baselard short sword. These were superb close combat weapons; fast, light, capable of both good cuts and effective thrusts. The weapon soon saw use throughout much of Europe. Complete with a utility knife and skewer for the various needs of any campaign. Sword comes with a scabbard to accomodate both the short sword, utility and skewer. All made from tempered high carbon steel by Windlass Steelcrafts®. #500754 $165 Overall-29" Blade-24" long, 1 5/8" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-1 lb. 8 oz."
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This sword is a replica of number A477 from the famed Wallace Collection. Like many German swords it is primarily a cutting sword, with a wide blade that has a flattened oval cross section that gives very little resistance in a cutting blow. It is also a perfect example of a true hand-and-half or bastard sword. The proportions of the sword are that of a one handed sword, but with a slightly longer grip and a pommel shape that will allow two hands to be used by gripping both. The grip is wood covered in cord and leather. The long quillion has a decorative finial on the end and the side rings provide good hand protection. Antiqued steel parts to match the original. Well tempered high carbon steel blade by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Scabbard with antiqued parts included. #500792$210 Overall-38 3/4" * Blade-30" x 2 1/8" x 3/16" * Wt.-3 lb. 10 oz.
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