Renaissance executioner sword from Germany

Mauro · 12th October 2010, 10:54 PM

Many thanks to all of you for these very interesting informations. I am always surprised from the many simbols are hidden in an old sword. I enlarged the photos of the shield and I can note that the horizontal bars are surely 9. I checked the coat of arms of Saxony in wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Saxony) and it has 9 stripes so many many thanks. One of the coat of arm seems surely Saxony. I don't know the meaning of the other but I shall continue to search in that direction.

Mauro · 13th October 2010, 02:33 PM

Looking into wikipedia trying to follow the coats of arms of Saxony I found a coat of arms that could represent the second shield. It is made of two sword crossed. “The lower right fourth quarter shows in sable and argent the electoral swords (Kurschwerter) in gules, indicating the Saxon office as Imperial Arch-Marshal (German:Erzmarschall, Latin:Archimarescallus), pertaining to the Saxon privilege as prince-elector, besides the right to elect a new emperor after the decease of the former. The Lauenburg branch duchy adopted this coat-of-arms, used before by the other brach duchy Saxe-Wittenberg until its extinction in 1422, in order to enforce its failed claim to succession in Saxe-Wittenberg.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sachsen-Lauenburg.PNG

Reichsritter · 14th October 2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauro

Many thanks to all of you for these very interesting informations. I am always surprised from the many simbols are hidden in an old sword. I enlarged the photos of the shield and I can note that the horizontal bars are surely 9. I checked the coat of arms of Saxony in wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Saxony) and it has 9 stripes so many many thanks. One of the coat of arm seems surely Saxony. I don't know the meaning of the other but I shall continue to search in that direction.

Hi Mauro, All Saxon coat of arms are always barry of 10 Sable (black) and Or (gold)...regardless of branch, or period from duchy, Kingdom until it became a state. The coat of arms on your sword I noticed has barry of 8 (8 bars horizontal). This interests me since such shield are used by the Lords of Kuenring. If you can wikipedia the coat of arms of the Princes of Liechtenstein you will notice on the 2nd quarter a similar shield with 8 bars of yellow and black. This signify their Kuenring ancestry. No conclusion on my part but just an observation.

Mauro · 14th October 2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichsritter

Hi Mauro, All Saxon coat of arms are always barry of 10 Sable (black) and Or (gold)...regardless of branch, or period from duchy, Kingdom until it became a state. The coat of arms on your sword I noticed has barry of 8 (8 bars horizontal). This interests me since such shield are used by the Lords of Kuenring. If you can wikipedia the coat of arms of the Princes of Liechtenstein you will notice on the 2nd quarter a similar shield with 8 bars of yellow and black. This signify their Kuenring ancestry. No conclusion on my part but just an observation.

Thanks Reichsritter, I understood and I agree. What do you think of the second coat of arm ? It could be the swords in the Sachsen-Lauenburg coat of arms ? thanks Mauro

Reichsritter · 14th October 2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mauro

Thanks Reichsritter, I understood and I agree. What do you think of the second coat of arm ? It could be the swords in the Sachsen-Lauenburg coat of arms ? thanks Mauro

It is my guess as I mention on early post that the shield per fess (horizontal partition) swords in saltire (crossed) was a symbol of office. Yes it could be, the two shields are similar.

Well, I am not in authority to say that your sword was once in the service of the Saxon Lords ;-)
I'm still trying to figure out the cap/ crown on top of the shield. Damn, now I'll have to pull something in deep storage and dust some books !

JUSTICESWORDS · 5th April 2011, 06:48 PM

Greetings.
I am new here and I collect and have researched execution swords for some time.
I read here with interest, (as I have also read elsewhere on the www), people wondering what the three holes that sometimes appear in the tips of execution swords are for.
While some dealers of such weapons and even some authors have mistakenly stated that these three holes were for the attachment of extra weights to give the executioner a more powerful swing, this is not the case at all.
The actual reason this was done on some execution swords was because of a superstitious belief that had nothing at all to do with function. In boring such holes through the tip of the blade it was believed that some of the evil energy stored in the blade from beheading so many bad people would be allowed to escape from the sword and thus render the weapon easier for the executioner to “control.”
While in modern times we would look upon any sword as a common object or a tool, executioner’s swords in medieval times were believed to possess a “killing soul” of sorts that was always thirsty for human blood. It was believed that only the executioner had the power to control the sword’s desire for killing and that it essentially had a mind of its own.
This supernatural power and the executioner’s ability to control it were very important.
There is at least one case on record of an executioner putting a large group of prisoners to death in a single session. When the local justice officials suggested that the remaining executions be halted and continued the next day the executioner claimed that he was not in the least bit tired and could go on beheading prisoners all day. He then made the grave mistake of claiming that he would in fact have no trouble beheading every single person in attendance, including the local justice officials. This boast terrified the populace and they in turn had the executioner put to death because they now believed him to be possessed by the evil spirit of his execution sword and utterly helpless to curb its desire for blood.
In addition to possessing an inherently murderous spirit, old execution swords were also believed to provide protection for those about to go into battle. Coveted by early warriors, old execution swords that had taken many lives often had their blades cut into small triangles of metal which were then sewn into the clothing of a knight. In doing this, it was thought that the power of a sword which had killed many people would transfer its energy and protective powers to the warrior and keep him safe in battle.

I hope this information may be of some help.

Cheers, Steve

Jim McDougall · 6th April 2011, 04:36 AM

Welcome Steve!
Its great to have you joining us, and thank you for bringing up this thread with this fascinating information. While this topic is of course macabre, it is indeed intriguing and has entered into discussions a number of times through the years.

The points you bring up about the weapon itself in a metaphysical sense is something that does come up with them in many cultures, and there were many superstitions concerning them during Medieval times also. The three dots have been an anomaly that seems to have drawn a number of ideas as seen in posts here.

While the number three is of course well known also in symbolism of many areas, with its association to the Holy Trinity significant to Christianity, I have been under the impression that three crosses signify Calvary and the Crucifixion. I am wondering if perhaps the three holes in this case, which seem to have one elevated, flanked by two others might mean the same on these sword tips. Execution swords seem to often have inscriptions and themes of devotional nature and for the redemption of the sinner, and rather the absolution of the executioner for carrying out this duty.

On one German example 17th century is inscribed;
"...when I raise this sword I wish the sinner everlasting life.
The Lords judge evil and I execute thier judgement".
"Torture and Punishment" publ. by
Royal Armouries, p.19

At the Crucifixion, the two criminals executed alongside Jesus, with one repenting, the other mocking him. Perhaps the significance of either turn might be the significance for Calvary's three at the end of the blade, and the resolution will be at the moment of truth.

There is of course a certain credence to the idea of lore that pertains to piercings and apertures in blades that followed beliefs that might seem strange to us today, such as the idea of dispelling evil from the tainted weapon. In these times there were superstitions that pieces of wood from the tortuous breaking wheel that killed a criminal had talismanic properties when added to weapons. It was once believed that holes placed in blades would allow air into wounds causing death, and other grim ideas abound in others.

Since most of these 'executioner swords' became in actuality bearing swords signifying the authority of life and death of the personage in power in various principalities or states, it would seem that much of the symbolism was vestigial. It seems hard to say what the holes original purpose was, but the noise making idea seems quite plausible from a pragmatic view.

Again thank you for writing here!! I hope you will share more on your weapons and tell us more on them. The research you have done is fascinating and give great perspective on these.

All the best,

Jim

JUSTICESWORDS · 6th April 2011, 03:20 PM

For the kind words and welcome Jim!

I myself have just finished authoring a book called, "The Catalog of Cruelty: An Illustrated Collection of Ancient Restraints and Instruments of Torture and Execution."

In doing research for the book I travelled to Germany and Switzerland and while in Switzerland I stayed with my good friend and fellow collector/historian Mr. Guido Varesi. Guido owns and curates a small but very impressive private museum called "The Henkermuseum" (Hangman's Museum) in Sissach, Switzerland.

Guido has what has to be one of the finest collection of authentic medieval period execution swords in private hands in most of Europe and I was afforded the chance to not only study and handle them but also to learn many of the little known superstitions associated with such "tools of the trade."

Of particular interest to me were also the commonly held beliefs concerning the executioner himself. He was feared, a social outcast who could not live in the village proper, and yet he fulfilled an appointed position in the legal system of the time and provded a much needed service.

I found it very interesting that following the death of the executioner, and if no replacement could be found, (this would be hard to do because almost no one wanted to be the executioner and become a social outcast), the local justice officials would sometimes place an execution sword on the floor of the local courtroom and invite males into the room. The first one to pick up the sword that happened to by laying on the ground was crowned the executioner!

A pretty underhanded way to give an unknowing soul a poor job but it did happen!

As for the 3 holes in the tip having been installed to give the sword a more sinister sound as it sliced through the air, I do not agree this was the reason for thier placement. I say this because during my travels I had the chance to swing many an execution sword and I did not hear any differing sound when doing so.

For this reason I think it is more likely that the holes were for the draining of the "bad energy" the sword had accumulated via many beheadings. It is also likely that the holes were three in number to denote or represent the holy trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost and this bless the accursed tool of death.

Once again, thank you for the very warm welcome!

Cheers, Steve

JUSTICESWORDS · 6th April 2011, 03:27 PM

Concerning execution swords.

Mr. Varesi in Sissach believes that it was the execution swords with very few, or perhaps not any, engravings on the blades that were used the most for actual executions.

He believes that the justice swords with the most elaborate engravings were most likely used in a ceremonial format such as when pronouncing sentence, etc.

I have two execution swords in my collection that bear no engravings or marks on the blades at all yet there is no doubt they were used for beheadings.

Another school of thought is that once a sword had killed many people or when the executioner had died the sword itself was retired from killing. It was at this point that additional engravings were added to the blade to make the sword a more ceremonial justice tool instead of a killing one.

Cheers, Steve

5th April 2011, 06:48 PM	#6
JUSTICESWORDS Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 5	The three holes in the tip of some execution swords Greetings. I am new here and I collect and have researched execution swords for some time. I read here with interest, (as I have also read elsewhere on the www), people wondering what the three holes that sometimes appear in the tips of execution swords are for. While some dealers of such weapons and even some authors have mistakenly stated that these three holes were for the attachment of extra weights to give the executioner a more powerful swing, this is not the case at all. The actual reason this was done on some execution swords was because of a superstitious belief that had nothing at all to do with function. In boring such holes through the tip of the blade it was believed that some of the evil energy stored in the blade from beheading so many bad people would be allowed to escape from the sword and thus render the weapon easier for the executioner to “control.” While in modern times we would look upon any sword as a common object or a tool, executioner’s swords in medieval times were believed to possess a “killing soul” of sorts that was always thirsty for human blood. It was believed that only the executioner had the power to control the sword’s desire for killing and that it essentially had a mind of its own. This supernatural power and the executioner’s ability to control it were very important. There is at least one case on record of an executioner putting a large group of prisoners to death in a single session. When the local justice officials suggested that the remaining executions be halted and continued the next day the executioner claimed that he was not in the least bit tired and could go on beheading prisoners all day. He then made the grave mistake of claiming that he would in fact have no trouble beheading every single person in attendance, including the local justice officials. This boast terrified the populace and they in turn had the executioner put to death because they now believed him to be possessed by the evil spirit of his execution sword and utterly helpless to curb its desire for blood. In addition to possessing an inherently murderous spirit, old execution swords were also believed to provide protection for those about to go into battle. Coveted by early warriors, old execution swords that had taken many lives often had their blades cut into small triangles of metal which were then sewn into the clothing of a knight. In doing this, it was thought that the power of a sword which had killed many people would transfer its energy and protective powers to the warrior and keep him safe in battle. I hope this information may be of some help. Cheers, Steve

6th April 2011, 03:20 PM	#8
JUSTICESWORDS Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 5	Thank you For the kind words and welcome Jim! I myself have just finished authoring a book called, "The Catalog of Cruelty: An Illustrated Collection of Ancient Restraints and Instruments of Torture and Execution." In doing research for the book I travelled to Germany and Switzerland and while in Switzerland I stayed with my good friend and fellow collector/historian Mr. Guido Varesi. Guido owns and curates a small but very impressive private museum called "The Henkermuseum" (Hangman's Museum) in Sissach, Switzerland. Guido has what has to be one of the finest collection of authentic medieval period execution swords in private hands in most of Europe and I was afforded the chance to not only study and handle them but also to learn many of the little known superstitions associated with such "tools of the trade." Of particular interest to me were also the commonly held beliefs concerning the executioner himself. He was feared, a social outcast who could not live in the village proper, and yet he fulfilled an appointed position in the legal system of the time and provded a much needed service. I found it very interesting that following the death of the executioner, and if no replacement could be found, (this would be hard to do because almost no one wanted to be the executioner and become a social outcast), the local justice officials would sometimes place an execution sword on the floor of the local courtroom and invite males into the room. The first one to pick up the sword that happened to by laying on the ground was crowned the executioner! A pretty underhanded way to give an unknowing soul a poor job but it did happen! As for the 3 holes in the tip having been installed to give the sword a more sinister sound as it sliced through the air, I do not agree this was the reason for thier placement. I say this because during my travels I had the chance to swing many an execution sword and I did not hear any differing sound when doing so. For this reason I think it is more likely that the holes were for the draining of the "bad energy" the sword had accumulated via many beheadings. It is also likely that the holes were three in number to denote or represent the holy trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost and this bless the accursed tool of death. Once again, thank you for the very warm welcome! Cheers, Steve

6th April 2011, 03:27 PM	#9
JUSTICESWORDS Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 5	One more thing of interest Concerning execution swords. Mr. Varesi in Sissach believes that it was the execution swords with very few, or perhaps not any, engravings on the blades that were used the most for actual executions. He believes that the justice swords with the most elaborate engravings were most likely used in a ceremonial format such as when pronouncing sentence, etc. I have two execution swords in my collection that bear no engravings or marks on the blades at all yet there is no doubt they were used for beheadings. Another school of thought is that once a sword had killed many people or when the executioner had died the sword itself was retired from killing. It was at this point that additional engravings were added to the blade to make the sword a more ceremonial justice tool instead of a killing one. Cheers, Steve

12th October 2010, 10:54 PM	#1
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	Many thanks to all of you for these very interesting informations. I am always surprised from the many simbols are hidden in an old sword. I enlarged the photos of the shield and I can note that the horizontal bars are surely 9. I checked the coat of arms of Saxony in wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Saxony) and it has 9 stripes so many many thanks. One of the coat of arm seems surely Saxony. I don't know the meaning of the other but I shall continue to search in that direction.

13th October 2010, 02:33 PM	#2
Mauro Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 83	Looking into wikipedia trying to follow the coats of arms of Saxony I found a coat of arms that could represent the second shield. It is made of two sword crossed. “The lower right fourth quarter shows in sable and argent the electoral swords (Kurschwerter) in gules, indicating the Saxon office as Imperial Arch-Marshal (German:Erzmarschall, Latin:Archimarescallus), pertaining to the Saxon privilege as prince-elector, besides the right to elect a new emperor after the decease of the former. The Lauenburg branch duchy adopted this coat-of-arms, used before by the other brach duchy Saxe-Wittenberg until its extinction in 1422, in order to enforce its failed claim to succession in Saxe-Wittenberg.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sachsen-Lauenburg.PNG

6th April 2011, 04:36 AM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Welcome Steve! Its great to have you joining us, and thank you for bringing up this thread with this fascinating information. While this topic is of course macabre, it is indeed intriguing and has entered into discussions a number of times through the years. The points you bring up about the weapon itself in a metaphysical sense is something that does come up with them in many cultures, and there were many superstitions concerning them during Medieval times also. The three dots have been an anomaly that seems to have drawn a number of ideas as seen in posts here. While the number three is of course well known also in symbolism of many areas, with its association to the Holy Trinity significant to Christianity, I have been under the impression that three crosses signify Calvary and the Crucifixion. I am wondering if perhaps the three holes in this case, which seem to have one elevated, flanked by two others might mean the same on these sword tips. Execution swords seem to often have inscriptions and themes of devotional nature and for the redemption of the sinner, and rather the absolution of the executioner for carrying out this duty. On one German example 17th century is inscribed; "...when I raise this sword I wish the sinner everlasting life. The Lords judge evil and I execute thier judgement". "Torture and Punishment" publ. by Royal Armouries, p.19 At the Crucifixion, the two criminals executed alongside Jesus, with one repenting, the other mocking him. Perhaps the significance of either turn might be the significance for Calvary's three at the end of the blade, and the resolution will be at the moment of truth. There is of course a certain credence to the idea of lore that pertains to piercings and apertures in blades that followed beliefs that might seem strange to us today, such as the idea of dispelling evil from the tainted weapon. In these times there were superstitions that pieces of wood from the tortuous breaking wheel that killed a criminal had talismanic properties when added to weapons. It was once believed that holes placed in blades would allow air into wounds causing death, and other grim ideas abound in others. Since most of these 'executioner swords' became in actuality bearing swords signifying the authority of life and death of the personage in power in various principalities or states, it would seem that much of the symbolism was vestigial. It seems hard to say what the holes original purpose was, but the noise making idea seems quite plausible from a pragmatic view. Again thank you for writing here!! I hope you will share more on your weapons and tell us more on them. The research you have done is fascinating and give great perspective on these. All the best, Jim