[Jim McDougall]

Pretty fascinating sword, and as mentioned, the snake biting its tail is a well known allegorical symbol of the 16th century. I always think of the 'ouroboros' serpent (tail eating) from alchemical lore and included in the dogma of the Gnostics, where loosely the meaning, 'the all is one' etc. are associated.

In these times where artists like Albrecht Durer and Hans Holbein heavily used allegorical themes in their works, and magic, occult and other esoteric themes were prevalent, it is interesting to see this kind of symbolism in the motif on weapons.

The katzbalger was developed in 16th century and used through 17th, intended as an arming sword for pikemen, archers and crossbowmen. The guards were typically the well known 'S' guard or the 'figure 8' as in this one.

With its being found in the river Meuse, near Roermond, in Netherlands, and as noted, the estimated period of the sword c. 1520s-30s it is notable that this area was involved in the Hanseatic League with of course heavy trade traffic. It seems reasonable that the sword may well have seen use in the Italian wars and ended up in these regions.

With the allegorical theme it is tempting to wonder if the groups or orders that likely existed in these contexts involving trade or quasi military organization might have some connection to this kind of theme.

Perhaps that it is larger than the usual arming katzbalger, yet of course smaller than the zweihander so well known with Landsknechts, suggests either intended use for combatants in between or may have had some bearing sword type potential.

Attached the Ouroboros of alchemical association.