Sword
Details
Milan, c. 1560
Steel, iron, partly gilded and silvered, enamel
L. 109.5 cm
Acquired from Erlangen university in 1857
Inv. No. W 587
Gallery 18
Arms and Armour
Renaissance
Description
This sword is one of the most remarkable achievements of Italian armourers. Its elaborate handle, virtuously cut in iron, suggests motion: The guard ends in triton figures, sea creatures form the guard ring and cover the hilt and pommel in flat relief. Matt and polished gilding, silver-plated sections and white enamel create contrasting colour effects. The sword originates from the Kunstkammer of the Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach and found its way to the Cabinet of Arts and Rarities of the University of Erlangen under Margrave Karl Alexander in the late 18th century.