Cleveland Museum of Art

Two-Handed Sword of the State Guard of Julius of Brunswick-Lunüneburg

Date

1574

Medium

steel, leather and wire bound grip

Culture

Germany, Brunswick, 16th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This is one of a large series of swords distinguished by the fish-shaped crossbar on the hilt (quillon) and pierced, crutch-shaped pommels. Each sword in this series is also dated and numbered. The crowned monogram of Duke Julius, the year 1574, and the number of this particular sword (N 59) are etched on the portion of the blade between the hilt and the beginning of the sword’s edge (or ricasso). The sheer size of this sword is both awe-inspiring and intimidating, but the highly ornate engraved details indicate that it wasn't used in battle. Imagine your security system being a guard wielding a blade similar to this one.

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