:: Medieval Mercenary Sword
::
The Latzblager or Katzbalger is a distinctive short sword used by foot soldiers and mercenaries throughout Germany during the 15th and 16th C. The medieval sword became quite common among the German mercenaries who favored this sword for it's short but powerful blade.
The main group of soldiers who used this medieval sword called the
Landsknechts
were a well trained and disciplined infantry. By the time of the Burgundian Wars of 1476-7, it became obvious that cavalry was useless against the newer mobile Landsknecht, who were now being trained in large numbers. The face of warfare had changed.
Once Maximillian I allowed the German mercenaries to be hired out , they became an integral part of many armies fighting in almost all of the major European battles of the renaissance period. The Landsknechts fought with Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I of England, Louis XI, Francis I, Henri II of France, Charles V, Ferdinand I, and Rudolph II, and Maximillian II of the Holy Roman Empire.
While the Landsknechts were known for their use of pikes, they were paid extra to fight on the front lines charging the enemies pikes. The crisp two-inch wide non-sectional blade, compounded by its impressive weight, rendered this piece an exceptional tool capable of shredding through opponent’s pole-arms. Beautifully crafted guards were common among such pieces, reflecting individual styles and taste. The hilt of the Mercenary sword is fitted with two protective rings and a wooden handle is covered in black leather.
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