The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of July 10, 2026

A steel sword extends vertically, its entire surface a mottled and pitted muted gray. A circular disk pommel sits atop a thin handle. Below, a slender bar curves toward the blade, terminating in small knobs. The long, straight blade tapers from the bar down to a sharp point. The tarnished metal transitions from the circular pommel through the narrow grip, extending into the elongated blade, showing a consistent weathered texture throughout.

Sword

1400s

European , 15th century

(unassigned)
steel
Overall: 103.5 cm (40 3/4 in.); Quillions: 19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1919.69
Location: 210A Armor Court

Did You Know?

Although now lost, this sword would have had a scabbard or sheath made of wood covered in leather to protect it from water so it wouldn't rust when not in use.

Description

The European sword is derived from the ninth-century Viking sword, which consisted of a straight double-edged blade and was suitable for slashing or thrusting. Throughout the medieval period swords became increasingly specialized weapons depending on whether it was intended to be used on horseback or on foot. A knight likely owned several swords according to his needs and preferences. Craftsman sought to achieve the technical superiority that in turn would provide his client with a distinct advantage.
  • ?-1919
    Frank Gair Macomber (1849-1941) Boston, MA
    1919
    (Sale: American Art Association, New York, NY, Theodore Offerman sale February 7-8, 1919), lot 427)
    1919-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • American Art Association. Ancient Arms and Weapons and Accoutrements. 1919. lot 427
    Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mentioned: p. 88, E9 archive.org
    Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms and Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: The Museum, 1998. p. 110, 172, cat. no. 192
    Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms & Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2007. cat. no. 128, p. 188
  • Armor Court Reinstallation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer).
    Gothic Art 1360-1440. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (August 6-September 15, 1963).
  • {{cite web|title=Sword|url=false|author=|year=1400s|access-date=10 July 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1919.69