Sunday, March 6, 2016
Flammenschwert Zweihänder - Gesundheit!
Here's a repro flame-bladed two-handed sword used in the early 16th C. most famously by German Landsknechte.
As you may see, I forgot to take off the protective plastic tip.
The sallet is pushed back as was fashionable at the time. Only the left arm is armored, and the greaves have been removed from the leg harness.
Landsknechte trained in the use of these two-handed swords served in the front ranks to break pike formations, supposedly by cutting off the ends of the pikes. They received double pay for this work, thus earning the moniker of Doppelsöldner.
Best to you all from the Empire!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Looking mighty fine!!! I hope all the armour is on display in your house when you're not wearing it Dean?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ray. Yes, I have on a stand and also on top of display cabinets. Warm regards, Dean
DeleteVery dangerous soldier, even with a protective plastic tip 8)))
ReplyDeleteLol! Thanks! Yeah, I know how silly. Best, Dean
DeleteIs this your previous life showing Dean? Looking great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rodger. As a matter of fact, I used to make Greek style armor out of thick card stock my mom would bring home from work. Kind of like a linothorax style. Then I'd play with my younger cousins - I always would be Achilles :)! Best, Dean
DeleteGlorius armor and mighty sword.
ReplyDeleteWho wants to flail, about, one hour, is a real man.
This old way of struggle is today a fashion phenomenon or a large hobby
Thanks, MM! Yes, it is quite enjoyable and the photo a nice record of it. Best, Dean
DeleteMy goodness that is an impressive piece of kit.
ReplyDeleteThank you most kindly, Michael. It's the previous 15th C. suit less a few pieces. Very comfortable! Best, Dean
DeleteUnexpected and funny!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil. I must say I was inspired as much by history as by WHFB Empire Greatswords :) Best, Dean
DeleteMy thats a big chopper! Waaaaaaarggggghhh you've make a good orc!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simon. Glad you liked it. Best, Dean
DeleteLooking great. Magnificent addition to your collection (although I think I still like the Hawaiian swordfish one best)!
ReplyDeleteLooking at the woodcut picture... I have seen one that size in a museum once. I am a big, strong guy, but I seriously have to wonder how anyone could wield one without the mass inertia pulling him along.
Thanks for dropping by, Burkhard. I totally agree. Unwieldy certainly comes to mind :) Warm regards Dean
DeleteNice looking kit Dean, not sure I believe the old story about doppelsoldner cutting the ends of pikes, seasoned ash & iron langets would take some cutting through. More likely to have been used to exploit local weaknesses in the opposing formation in conjunction with halberdiers, at least thats my theory. Take a look at some of the youtube videos of montante drills, gives a good impression of how handy these things actually were. Lecture over regards HGA.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. I tend to agree with you on the loping off of pike heads. I haven't found any period illustrations depicting it. Might have happened, but doubtfully done routinely. Regards Dean
DeleteWow to see how you started and how far you've come. This is impressive!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Kevin
Thanks so much, Kevin. To think it all started by a chance ebay purchase of an Hounskull bascinet. Warm regards Dean
DeleteHave you seen the upcoming 16th century knights by Steel Fist Miniatures armed with zweihanders? Must see, the detail of the armour is superb!
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks for the tip. I will have to check them out. Best Dean
DeleteWonderful set of equipment Dean a and that great sword is wicked piece of work!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks, Christopher. A fun display piece for sure. Regards Dean
Delete