Rare 16th-17th C. German Landsknecht (Land Knight) KATZBALGER Battle Sword with a Distinctive Large Guard having Symple Chiseled Decorations, Broad Blade with Thin Shallow Central Fuller, Grip is Lacking. A Katzbalger is a short Renaissance arming sword, notable for its sturdy build and a distinctive S-shaped or figure-8 shaped guard. it was the signature blade of the Landsknecht. The Katzbalger is a side-arm, often used by pikemen, archers, and crossbowmen as a last resort if the enemy were to draw too close for bows or likes to be effective. Mostly a cutting sword, the rounded tips on many examples are ill-suited to thrusting, while the flat, broad blades are specialized for cutting. As with other similar cutting-centric arming swords, it can still be used for thrusting, though it is only likely to do damage to unarmored targets. As with many sword varieties, variations exist within the type and katzbalger-style hilts can be found paired with slimmer and more thrust-oriented blades.The large, characteristic guard helps to block and parry other cutting attacks. However, its openings leave the hands vulnerable to thrusting attacks. Full Length 33.5 inch Blade Length 29 inch