SWORD OF JUSTICE

c. 1700–1750

An exceptionally fine executioner’s sword with a lens-shaped wide blade etched with a depiction of Justitia with scales. The blade has a blunt straight-cut tip typical for the executioner’s swords. The crossguard and pommel are ensuite with facetted pattern. Material for the handle is brass. The crossguard is decorated with a single centered flower and small acanthus leaves. Usually executioner’s swords are very plain in designs. The wooden grip rip is bound with cord.

Our sword is etched with long juridical statements in German topped with bold depiction of St Justitia holding a scale blind folded.

Swords like this were made as executioner’s swords but their use was not only restricted to executions but were often used as ceremonial objects carried before the courts and showing the power of local establishments. This is why this style of swords can be found often described as city swords. They were symbols of power, establishment and punishment.

General remarks on such swords: iron crossguards and pommels were merely used before 1680’s and after that it becomes very popular to find brass or gilded mounted examples. These swords were always fitted with scabbards, sometimes having byknives or even scissors to cut the hair of the convicted.

Executions with sword were always made in sideways cuts. It is known that the convicted were able to pay for poison, seduction or clean cut before the execution.

The condition of this sword is very fine. The binding on the grip has a replacement part. Binding is perhaps later.

Museum grade object in rarity and quality.

 

Several examples of executioner swords can be found in many museums:

The British museum, dated 1693 with Justitia and iron mounts. No. 1961,0202.15

Museum Narodowe Krakow has a group of city/ executioner’s swords.

Cleveland museum of art. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1620

Lauri and Lasse Reitz Foundation in Finland.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

 

Drum thut

Bey Zeitten buß

und fallet

Gott zu fuß

Sonst Ihr mit

Diesem Schwert

werd gerichtet

von der Erd

‘So repent in time and fall to god’s feet otherwise you will be judged from this earth’

 

Dis Schwerdt

Ist angewetzt

Und Ich Darzu

gesezt

Von Gott

und obrigkeit

Zu Straffen

Boese Leut

‘This sword has been honed and I put at it by god and leading people (government/jury) to punish bad people’