Art Institute of Chicago
Katzbalger (Infantry Sword)
Swiss or German
- Date
- 1500/15
- Medium
- Steel, brass, and walnut burl
- Culture
- Switzerland
- Department
- Applied Arts of Europe
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
The Katzbalger (German for cat-gutter) was the principal sidearm of the early 16th-century Swiss and German foot soldier. Its short, wide double-edged blade was designed for slashing in close quarters, while the bold S-shaped guard protected the user’s hand and forearm from adversaries’ blows.
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Linked open data
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- Object type
- AAT300036926
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