Hunting Sword
Unknown Artist
c. 1780
Medium
steel, blued, etched, and gilded; silver and wood
Dimensions
l. 72.1 cm · blade: l. 56.5 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.1492
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This custom-made German hunting sword, displayed with its original scabbard, was used at the end of a hunt in order to deliver the killing blow. After the game was dispatched, this type of sword was also used to field dress the animal, which must be done as quickly as possible to preserve the usable meat. It could also be used for self-defense against dangerous animals.