Dean Castle Arms and Armour

German hand-and-a-half sword with scabbard

Period:

16th Century

Description:

The name of this sword - a hand-and-a-half, or 'bastard' sword - refers to the length of its hilt which can be wielded with either one or two-hands, as opposed to the oversized, heavy two-handed (or zweihander) sword. The grip of a hand-and-a-half was a little larger than the grip of a one-handed sword, and was designed as such to allow for an extra hand on the grip  put more force behind the blows.

 

The blade of this hand-and-a-half sword has been thinned, an is pictured alongisde its scabbard.

Source:

Dean Castle

Digital Number:

RI_DC_0000175

Copyright:

East Ayrshire Council