Cleveland Museum of Art

Executioner's Sword

Date

blade dated 1634

Medium

steel

Culture

Germany

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

An executioner's sword is specifically designed and balanced for decapitation, not combat. It usually features short quillons or cross guards, as the hands did not need added protection, and a blunt end. In wide use during the 1600s, by the 1700s they were largely out of use except for ceremonial purposes. The blades of executioner's swords were often decorated with moralistic inscriptions.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.