Artwork Page for Two-Handed Sword

Details / Information for Two-Handed Sword

Two-Handed Sword

1550–1600

Spain, Toledo, second half of 16th Century

Medium
steel, wood and leather grip; fluted pommel
Measurements
Overall: 168.3 cm (66 1/4 in.); Blade: 126.4 cm (49 3/4 in.); Quillions: 35.2 cm (13 7/8 in.); Grip: 41.3 cm (16 1/4 in.); Ricasso: 20.3 cm (8 in.)
Weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1509
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print

Description

The two-handed sword, originally a weapon of war for specialist infantry, is so named because two hands were required to wield it. By the late 1600s, these enormous swords assumed a largely ceremonial or bodyguard function.
A cross-shaped, long sword features a narrow, steel blade with two flanking spikes just before the hilt. The cross-bar of the hilt extends straight across, widening slightly into teardrop shapes at the ends and with semi-circular extensions arcing out perpendicularly from the base of the handle. The handle is wrapped in black leather, narrowing slightly before flaring out and rounding into a bulb-shaped knob.

Two-Handed Sword

1550–1600

Spain, Toledo, second half of 16th Century

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