Katzbalger (Infantry Sword)

Unrecorded artist

1500/15

Attribution: Swiss or German
Medium: Steel, brass, and walnut burl
Physical dimensions: 88.9 × 17.8 cm (35 × 7 in.)
Credit line: Through prior purchase of the George F. Harding Collection

CATALOGUE RECORD

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Source rights statement: Public domain

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From the museum

The Katzbalger (German for cat-gutter) was the principal sidearm of the early 16th-century Swiss and German foot soldier. Its short, wide double-edged blade was designed for slashing in close quarters, while the bold S-shaped guard protected the user’s hand and forearm from adversaries’ blows.

Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0