Katzbalger found at excavation and restored.

[Matchlock]

Hi Jasper,

In the scientifically acknowledged analysis of original 15th/16th c. sources, Doppelsöldner means a Landsknecht who was trained to wield double fighting power and consequently, in addition to his Katzbalger, either carried a hand-and-a-half or a two-handed sword, or, alternatively, an arquebus.
Of course, when applying for a new 'job', he had to demonstrate his abilities and when he was successful got double pay.


Attached please find early-16th c. egravings.
The caption to the first image says Doppeldöldner.
In attachment #3 you can clearly identify the bodkins in the Katzbalger sheath.


Best,
Michael

[cornelistromp]

yes you are right, these were the mercenaries with multiple weaponskills, deployed in the front line, and were paid double for this increased risk.

moreover, the scabbard construction of your image 3 in post 19, with the wrapped leather strap has great similarities with the Katzbalger found. see picture collection.
further, it is remarkable how much organic matter there has been preserved at this find.

addition to post#17 a spot or hate print about Maarten van Rossum.
Maarten van Rossum is dressed as a landsknecht with an early Katzbalger.
the ruthless way in which he waged war, was greatly feared. In his long career of warefare he frequently did use his motto: "glow and burn is the jewel of the war" in practice.He and his troops were feared and hated.


if someone has an old print of the troops of maarten van Rossum, please post it in this thread.
I am wondering if there is proof of landsknechts in his army appearing in the picture.

best,

[cornelistromp]

2 pictures of landsknechts with tools attached to the Katzbalger scabberd.
it looks like that 5-9 different combination tools were worn more often by mercenaries.

Indeed, the predecessor of the swiss army knife.

best,

[fernando]

Originally Posted by cornelistromp

... it looks like that 5-9 different combination tools were worn more often by mercenaries.

Indeed, the predecessor of the swiss army knife...

Most interesting perspective, Jasper .

[cornelistromp]

Hi Fernando,

This option was given in post 1 but I agree.

here are detailed photos of beautiful landsknecht two handers, with the stylistic characteristic mythical creatures to see on katzbalger guards.

around the mid of the 16th century these mythical creatures are more abstract.
Also note the pommels of the two swords they also came on katzbalgers.

Pictures © Carl Koppeschaar , thanks Carl

[cornelistromp]

I forgot the close ups of the lovely landsknecht pommels of the above posted 2 handers.



especially the star-shaped pommels are great looking and impressive

here they are!

[cornelistromp]

a landsknecht two hand sword from the armory of Solothurn, Switzerland.
see the similarity in the style of the guard with the Katzbalger found.
The mythical creature here is still very realistic in shape, even de eyes are visible, suggesting an earlier date from 1520 to 1530.
the Katzbalger under discussion has stylistically shaped mythical creatures spitting the guard from the mouth.

best,
jasper





© Carl Koppeschaar