Hand-and-a-Half Sword
Unknown Artist
c. 1550
Medium
steel, blued pommel and quillions, leather grip
Dimensions
l. 123.9 cm · blade: l. 92.3 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.1506
About this artwork
A hand-and-a-half sword is a large sword with a double-edged blade and a long grip so it could accommodate both hands. It was also know as a bastard sword. It would primarily be used with one hand, but if desired, the second hand could be used to give extra weight to the blow.