Hand-and-a-Half Sword

c. 1550

Hand-and-a-Half Sword, c. 1550. Germany, mid-16th century. 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.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1506 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. There are three unidentified marks on the fuller of this blade.