Cinquedea 2
The cinquedea is a civilian short sword that was so called due
to its characteristic broad-based blade that measures around 5
fingers, or in Italian, 'cinque diti', wide. This cinquedea was
produced in North Italy, which held a high reputation for producing
and exporting armoury and weaponry during the late Middle Ages. As
well as their broad blades, cinquedeas were also characterised by
their small pommel and drooping crossguard. They were a fashionable
item for gentlemen to wear as accessories in the Italian city
states during their period of popularity during the Italian
Renaissance.
A cinquedea's wide blade was often used for inscriptions,
however, this example is simple and unadorned. The hilt is composed
of ivory and gilded metal, with an inlay around the edge of the
hilt inscribed with 'DEUS FORTITUDUS VIRTUS SUPER OMNI',
translating roughly as 'Strength and power above all'.
Object no :
RI_DC_0000048
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
North Italian
Dimensions :
L: 635mm
Materials :
NA
Location :
NA
Accession number :
NA
Copyright :
East Ayrshire Council
