1350 The Messer

Late 15th century – German. Original found in the Landesmuseum, Zurich.

The German Gross Messer has a reputation for being huge and imposing. This design (one of the 2010 Sword Buyer’s Guide Designer Contest Winners) is no exception. Gross Messers (German for “Great Knife”) look like scaled up versions of the classic “Bowie” style hunting knife, and were commonly seen during the later parts of the 15th Century. Powerful chopping weapons, they were popular among both the rich and the poor, and at this had intricate decorations on the guard and pommel.

A 15th Century design, it features a hefty 30” blade with partial fuller and sharpened false edge along the spine back of the tip. Unlike other modern reproductions of the Messer design, it has a very attractive braided pommel and beautiful sculpted guard – clearly a version of the Messer that would look at home in noble hands. The distinctive riveted wood handle completes the sword’s look. A dedicated chopper that still looks great, this sword would be well suited for use or for hanging on the wall as part of a collection.