EUROPEAN ARMS

SWORD FROM THE 30-YEAR WAR GERMANY

c. 1600–1660 GERMANY

A typical German-manufactured infantry side sword and one of the first pattern types. A very wide blade with a single wide fuller marked with ‘SOLINGEN ME FECIT’. The shellguard on front and single guard for knuckles. Thumb ring and metal bound grip. All parts in iron or steel.

General date for this pattern is unknown but the model has been used in a few countries other than Germany. All the known swords of this type have had similar shellguard, thumb ring and blade with either single or double fuller. Fullers are normally marked SOLINGEN ME FECIT, sometimes CLEMENS HORN. The forte has also TO marking refering to Toledo but this marking is probably just a mimic or copied by local German smith. Similar marking was used by Stantler for the Munich guard swords and it is possible that these are just following Stantler’s pattern production. Originally this type of swords had thick leather scabbard with two iron mounts. Upper mount had bayonet type lug for hanger frog.

Very interesting pattern and genuine from tip to toe. This is the type collectors should focus when buying first swords from the 17th century. Many examples in museums to compare and learn. We have given long time period for this pattern as we are sure it was in wide and long use.

Condition is very fine for the age. The crossguard is a bit loose and moves back and forward. We are leaving tightening to the next owner and try to show as little touched example as we can.