15th C. Italian Steel Longsword (for Youth Training)

**Originally Listed At $2500**

Western Europe, Italy, Republic of Venice, Late Gothic period, ca. 1480 to 1490 CE. A wonderful and extremely rare example of a forged steel longsword of a characteristically shorter length to be used for training aspiring youths in the art of sword-fighting. The lengthy blade has a tapered form that lacks the prominent midrib of knightly swords, sharpened edges, and a pointed tip that was meant for teaching thrusting techniques. The thick tang is inserted into a hand-carved wooden handle, and in-between is a straight hand guard with down-swept quillons. Capping the end of the handle is a square-form pommel that is typical of Gothic-era Venice, and the unembellished nature of the weapon exemplifies its craftsmanship for one that has yet to ascend to knighthood. A superb example of Venetian weaponry! Size: 5" W x 33.7" H (12.7 cm x 85.6 cm); (length of blade): 28.8" L (73.2 cm).

For a stylistically similar example of a sword that one would use after their youthful training, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 54.46.9.

For a another stylistically similar example of a knight's longsword, please see: Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 113, bottom example.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in June 2017; ex-Fagan Arms, Clinton Township, Michigan, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#151168
Condition Report: Blade reinserted into wooden handle, with light adhesive residue within opening of hand guard. Very slight bending to overall form of blade, with a couple of stable fissures to handle, and darkening and minor pitting to blade, hand guard, and pommel. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas, and great patina throughout.