Antique Japanese & World Weapons AUG. 29th
Lot 433:
Rare 16th-17th German Executioner’s Beheading Sword. Of seldom encountered type, made for use with a single hand, possibly for executing children. With knobbed brass pommel and guard expanding slightly at the quillon terminals, wooden grip bare of its leather or wire bondage. The broad double-edged blade terminating in a rounded tip, each side with engraved Hanging Carousel – a symbolic execution attribute. Beheading by the sword in Central Europe was considered far less painful than the ax and quickly became the aristocratic option; it was automatically extended to the nobility. Commoners, however, paid extra for the privilege. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 32 1/4" Blade length : 25"
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