Posts: 281 Location: Eastern Panhandle WV, USA
Thu 22 Jul, 2010 7:01 pm
Hi, Welcome to myArmoury! :D
As far as that sword goes, a lot has to do with that blade. I'm having trouble telling weather it is blade have the wavy pattern of the left one (to a lesser degree) or if thats the camera and my bad eyes.
Wavy blade=early/mid 16th century, stereotypical Zweihander, made famous my Landsknecht doppelsoldners.
If blade is straight, It could be dated as early as late 15th century, as thats when side rings and simple compound hilts such as that start surfacing (and big swords were in fashion also)
The use in both periods was strictly infantry (but you probably knew that) and (obviously) two handed use was required. These were big swords used by big guys. Lots of armour would be preferable, as you are gonna attract a lot of attention with these things, and the enormous length and wavy blade pattern (works hell on your
distal taper I'd think) would make the sword somewhat slow (not to be translated as cumbersome or unwieldy). Although that reach in itself is also a defense.
In a Landsknecht's hands, this thing would be an anti-pike weapon. used to push big gaps in a pike wall to disrupt the enemy formation and allow your own soldiers past their pike wall defense. It was also said to be able to chop the pike tips off. if it's dated to the earlier period, It probably wouldn't be so specialized in use, but the tactics would still apply, as pike tactics were widespread then too.
Well I hope that can hold you over until a more educated forumite can get to you.