Antique 17th century European broadsword with German blade. The blade has the maker's name, "Johannes Wundes" on it, along with his famous mark, the king's head, stamped into the blade.
The hilt is a "loop hilt" classifield as type 109 by A.V. Norman, and was in use from 1610 onwards. The grip has been professionally restored by an individual who restores for Christie's and Sotheby's as well as many antique arms dealers. Everything else is original. Everything is tight - there is no looseness in the hilt or blade whatsoever.
The sword weighs 1 lb 9 oz. and is incredibly agile. It is 36.5 inchs long overall and the blade is 30.5 inches long.
This is an incredibly rare piece that can easily be at home in a museum.
The pictures do not do this sword justice (my camera isn't that great).
Asking $3,200
Here is a link with some pictures: http://photobucket.com/wundes
For those who are unfamiliar with Johannes Wundes: The Wundes family were famous bladesmiths from Solingen in what is now Germany. Johannes the Elder was active from 1560-1610 and Johannes the Younger from 1578-1650. Many examples of Johannes Wundes blades can be seen on high quality swords in museums around the world. Some rapiers of 17th century English colonists in New England had blades made by Johannes Wundes also bearing the king's head mark.
Please email me if you have any questions: yelunatic@yahoo.com
