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Executioner's Sword
blade dated 1634
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
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.
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Details
- Title: Executioner's Sword
- Date Created: blade dated 1634
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 98.1 cm (38 5/8 in.); Blade: 75.3 cm (29 5/8 in.); Quillions: 15.5 cm (6 1/8 in.); Grip: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.)
- Provenance: Frank Gair Macomber (1849-1941), Boston, MA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Arms and Armor
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1916.1616
- Medium: steel
- Inscriptions: VIAT JUSTICIDET VERBUM CARO FACTUM, 1634
- Fun Fact: The blades of executioner's swords were often decorated with moralistic inscriptions.
- Department: Medieval Art
- Culture: Germany, 17th century
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
- Collection: MED - Arms & Armor
- Accession Number: 1916.1616
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