Flamberg Two-hand Swords, late 16th-Early-17th Century

Greybeard · 18th April 2012, 07:59 PM

Hello Michael, first of all sorry for my ignorance. I'm a collector of the Indonesian kerises which are very often wavy. While I know that the kerises were forged just this way -- wavy --, I have not the faintest idea as to how the Flambergs were made. Did they start as straight swords with the waves subsequently filed in? Regards, Heinz

Matchlock · 18th April 2012, 08:10 PM

Interesting question; thank you, Heinz,

The genuine flamberg swords that I have had the chance to closely inspect all showed clear signs that the 'flames' were added by holding the blades against a rotating stone wheel (Schleifstein). Filing them would have been too costly, even for the period. We know from period weapon orders that each little detail had to be paid separately by the armories.

Best,
Michael

Greybeard · 18th April 2012, 08:36 PM

Thank you, Michael. This answers an old question of mine when looking at Flambergs in museums and comparing them with my kerises (although these two types of edged weapons cannot be compared in any way, of course). Best regards, Heinz

Dmitry · 19th April 2012, 02:41 PM

These swords are very expressive, in my opinion. Very large, wavy blades, huge hilts add to the mythology of the knights (even though they had nothing to do with the knights]. That's the main reason the museums love them, I think.
Given a chance and an inexpensive price, I'd gladly buy one. Or two. I guess I'm not a serious collector.

They display beautifully.

Matchlock · 19th April 2012, 02:47 PM

The two items you posted are 19th to 20th century copies!

m

Dmitry · 19th April 2012, 06:21 PM

I'll take 4 then.

19th April 2012, 02:41 PM	#4
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	These swords are very expressive, in my opinion. Very large, wavy blades, huge hilts add to the mythology of the knights (even though they had nothing to do with the knights]. That's the main reason the museums love them, I think. Given a chance and an inexpensive price, I'd gladly buy one. Or two. I guess I'm not a serious collector. They display beautifully. Attached Images

19th April 2012, 02:47 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The two items you posted are 19th to 20th century copies! m Last edited by Matchlock; 19th April 2012 at 03:01 PM.

18th April 2012, 07:59 PM	#1
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Hello Michael, first of all sorry for my ignorance. I'm a collector of the Indonesian kerises which are very often wavy. While I know that the kerises were forged just this way -- wavy --, I have not the faintest idea as to how the Flambergs were made. Did they start as straight swords with the waves subsequently filed in? Regards, Heinz

18th April 2012, 08:10 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Interesting question; thank you, Heinz, The genuine flamberg swords that I have had the chance to closely inspect all showed clear signs that the 'flames' were added by holding the blades against a rotating stone wheel (Schleifstein). Filing them would have been too costly, even for the period. We know from period weapon orders that each little detail had to be paid separately by the armories. Best, Michael

18th April 2012, 08:36 PM	#3
Greybeard Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 124	Thank you, Michael. This answers an old question of mine when looking at Flambergs in museums and comparing them with my kerises (although these two types of edged weapons cannot be compared in any way, of course). Best regards, Heinz

19th April 2012, 06:21 PM	#6
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	I'll take 4 then.