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Hand-and-a-Half Sword

c. 1550
steel, blued pommel and quillions, leather grip
Overall: 123.9 cm (48 3/4 in.); Blade: 92.3 cm (36 5/16 in.); Quillions: 24.8 cm (9 3/4 in.); Grip: 30.5 cm (12 in.)
Weight: 1.68
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1506
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

There are three unidentified marks on the fuller of this blade.

Description

A hand-and-a-half sword is a large sword with a double-edged blade and a long grip so it could accommodate both hands. It was also know as a bastard sword. It would primarily be used with one hand, but if desired, the second hand could be used to give extra weight to the blow.
Hand-and-a-Half Sword

Hand-and-a-Half Sword

c. 1550

Germany, mid-16th century

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