Parade Sword
c. 1500–1525
Maker Unknown
Medieval Art
Parade Sword, c. 1500–1525. Italy, Ferrara, early 16th Century. Steel, etched and gilded; overall: 101.9 cm (40 1/8 in.); blade: 85.4 cm (33 5/8 in.); quillions: 17.5 cm (6 7/8 in.); grip: 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.704 This parade sword has a steel blade with etched and gilded bands of decoration. The decoration includes allegorical figures such as dancing satyrs and nymphs, amorini or cupids, and triumphs. The pommel, the rounded knob on the end of the handle, is flat and shaped like a shield; a raised rosette further embellishes it. The quillons or two transverse projecting members forming the cross guard, are flattened and drooping toward the blade. Ercole dei Fedeli was an Italian goldsmith and master sword engraver; his name appears on this blade.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Arms and Armor
- Formatted Medium
- steel, etched and gilded
- Dimensions
- Overall: 101.9 cm (40 1/8 in.); Blade: 85.4 cm (33 5/8 in.); Quillions: 17.5 cm (6 7/8 in.); Grip: 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.)
- Inscribed
- Inscription: Ercole dei Fideli
- Departments
- Medieval Art
- Accession Number
- 1916.704
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
- Exhibitions
- Armor Court Reinstallation
- Rights Statement
- CC0
- Museum Location
- 210A Armor Court
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