A GERMAN EXECUTIONER'S SWORD, the broad flat blade with short central fuller on each face at the forte etched with bands of stylised scrollwork, fruit, and on one side with the figure of Justice and the inscription 'Die Herren Steuren Dem Unheil Ich Exquire Ihr Endts Urtheil', and on the other with a beheading scene and the inscription 'Wan Dem Sunder Ist Abgesprochen Dass Leben, So Wird Er Mir Unter Die Hand Gegeben 1736', brass hilt comprising straight swelling quillons of octagonal section, octagonal fig-shaped pommel, and leather-covered wire-bound wooden grip (split, most of leather missing), dated 1736 | Christie's

Lot 168

168

A GERMAN EXECUTIONER'S SWORD, the broad flat blade with short central fuller on each face at the forte etched with bands of stylised scrollwork, fruit, and on one side with the figure of Justice and the inscription 'Die Herren Steuren Dem Unheil Ich Exquire Ihr Endts Urtheil', and on the other with a beheading scene and the inscription 'Wan Dem Sunder Ist Abgesprochen Dass Leben, So Wird Er Mir Unter Die Hand Gegeben 1736', brass hilt comprising straight swelling quillons of octagonal section, octagonal fig-shaped pommel, and leather-covered wire-bound wooden grip (split, most of leather missing), dated 1736

Details

A GERMAN EXECUTIONER'S SWORD, the broad flat blade with short central fuller on each face at the forte etched with bands of stylised scrollwork, fruit, and on one side with the figure of Justice and the inscription 'Die Herren Steuren Dem Unheil Ich Exquire Ihr Endts Urtheil', and on the other with a beheading scene and the inscription 'Wan Dem Sunder Ist Abgesprochen Dass Leben, So Wird Er Mir Unter Die Hand Gegeben 1736', brass hilt comprising straight swelling quillons of octagonal section, octagonal fig-shaped pommel, and leather-covered wire-bound wooden grip (split, most of leather missing), dated 1736
32in. blade

Lot Essay

The inscriptions read in translation: 'The rulers check mischief, I execute their final judgement', and 'When the sinner is condemned to death he is given into my hands 1736'

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