Walloon, not really?

Cathey · 10th September 2022, 10:35 AM

Hi Guys

I am endeavouring to write an Article about (what I am now calling) European Campaign swords for the Heritage Arms Society Magazine Barrels and Blades. The swords I am referring to are the four I have posted here that now appear to be frequestly referred to as Schwedendegen (Swiss Sword) or Schwedensabel (Swiss Sabre). As I have said I had previously described these swords as Walloons and/or Walloon Type, until I secured an actual Dutch Walloon at which time, I knew this was definitely not the correct designation for this group of swords. All of mine appear to have German Blades and I have been using the blade to suggest an age; however, I understand that this is not necessarily accurate as older blades were re-used but hoped it might give me a starting point. At this stage the age of the blades on the four examples I have range from c1610 – c1670 (Approximately).

Whilst I intend to base my articel on the four swords already in my collection I am also hoping to include other examples as they come to light.

At this stage the references I am using are:
BEZDEK Richard H German Swords and Sword Makers Pp 187
BLAIR-C-European & American Arms c1100-1850 Pp 9 9 (175)
Cleveland Museum of Art Catalogue of Arms and Armour Vol. 4 Pp 66-68 Plate 234
KUPPELMAYR Waffen-Sammlung
MÜLLER, Heinrich, HARTMUT Kölling & PLATOW Gerd MÜLLER, Heinrich, HARTMUT Kölling & PLATOW Gerd Page 228 pictures 173, 174, 175, 176, 177
George Neumann, Swords & Blades of the American Revolution, pg.72 #33.
NORDSTROM Lena White Arms of the Royal Armoury pp 53 Plate 64
PUYPE J.P. WIEKART A.A. Van Maurits naar munster
SEITZ Heribert - Blankwaffen 2 Pp 110 Plate 123
SOUTHWICK Leslie The Price Guide to Antique Edged Weapons Pp 93 Plate 239
I have on order “The Visser Collection Arms of the Netherlands Vol. I Part 3” its on its way to Australia.

I was wondering if anyone has any other reference recommendations and/or any research material they would be prepared to share. Naturally I would credit them as the source.

In particular I am looking for:
• period paintings of soldiers with these swords
• the identity of the nations that used them, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Bavaria etc
• were they manufactured in Germany or just the blades with hilts made locally?
• were they for cavalry or infantry or both.
• Where did they originate etc

Every source I check tells a different story thus far. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Cathey

10th September 2022, 10:35 AM	#7
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 276	Schwedendegen (Swiss Sword) or Schwedensabel (Swiss Sabre) Hi Guys I am endeavouring to write an Article about (what I am now calling) European Campaign swords for the Heritage Arms Society Magazine Barrels and Blades. The swords I am referring to are the four I have posted here that now appear to be frequestly referred to as Schwedendegen (Swiss Sword) or Schwedensabel (Swiss Sabre). As I have said I had previously described these swords as Walloons and/or Walloon Type, until I secured an actual Dutch Walloon at which time, I knew this was definitely not the correct designation for this group of swords. All of mine appear to have German Blades and I have been using the blade to suggest an age; however, I understand that this is not necessarily accurate as older blades were re-used but hoped it might give me a starting point. At this stage the age of the blades on the four examples I have range from c1610 – c1670 (Approximately). Whilst I intend to base my articel on the four swords already in my collection I am also hoping to include other examples as they come to light. At this stage the references I am using are: BEZDEK Richard H German Swords and Sword Makers Pp 187 BLAIR-C-European & American Arms c1100-1850 Pp 9 9 (175) Cleveland Museum of Art Catalogue of Arms and Armour Vol. 4 Pp 66-68 Plate 234 KUPPELMAYR Waffen-Sammlung MÜLLER, Heinrich, HARTMUT Kölling & PLATOW Gerd MÜLLER, Heinrich, HARTMUT Kölling & PLATOW Gerd Page 228 pictures 173, 174, 175, 176, 177 George Neumann, Swords & Blades of the American Revolution, pg.72 #33. NORDSTROM Lena White Arms of the Royal Armoury pp 53 Plate 64 PUYPE J.P. WIEKART A.A. Van Maurits naar munster SEITZ Heribert - Blankwaffen 2 Pp 110 Plate 123 SOUTHWICK Leslie The Price Guide to Antique Edged Weapons Pp 93 Plate 239 I have on order “The Visser Collection Arms of the Netherlands Vol. I Part 3” its on its way to Australia. I was wondering if anyone has any other reference recommendations and/or any research material they would be prepared to share. Naturally I would credit them as the source. In particular I am looking for: • period paintings of soldiers with these swords • the identity of the nations that used them, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Bavaria etc • were they manufactured in Germany or just the blades with hilts made locally? • were they for cavalry or infantry or both. • Where did they originate etc Every source I check tells a different story thus far. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Cheers Cathey