CC0 · no rights reserved
Executioner's Sword
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
An executioner's sword is specifically designed and balanced for decapitation, not combat. It usually features short quillons or cross guards, as the hands did not need added protection, and a blunt end. In wide use during the 1600s, by the 1700s they were largely out of use except for ceremonial purposes.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineExecutioner's Sword, blade dated 1634. Germany. Steel; overall: 98.1 cm (38 5/8 in.); blade: 75.3 cm (29 5/8 in.); quillions: 15.5 cm (6 1/8 in.); grip: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance, 1916.1616
