Longsword
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 15th-16th century
Material: Metal (Steel & Iron) & Wood
Dimensions (cm): 165 x 40
Weight: 3963 g
Inv. no.: PD1038 / MAS 292 / A.G. 3
A longsword with about half of its blade grooved. The cross-guard is outsized and has adornments at its ends. It has a wooden hilt with a slightly decorated iron pommel.
This type of European sword was chiefly used between the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was broader than other swords and, consequently, it was customarily handled with both hands – which is why it is also known as mandoble or two-handed sword. However, longswords could also be held in one hand, while the other hand was set on the blade to better control the blows dealt.
Longswords were used in battle to strike opponents from above or to pierce the heavy armour of the time. It was commonly used to open breaches in pike men regiments, allowing the passage of the cavalry into the enemy formations.
