GOTHIC EUROPEAN SHORTSWORD

15^th century. Classic example of the short swords carried by commoners in defiance of the laws against that class carrying weapons. Made by swordsmiths to the same standard as the knightly swords of the period, they were likely the most valuable possession of their respective owners. These short swords are distinguished from working knives in several ways. They are generally longer and designed to move the percussion point toward the hilt, allowing for better control and maneuverability.  Work knives of this size were intended for heavy service and made of wrought iron with a hardened steel edge forge welded on. Additionally, when encountered, these do not show the edge loss to sharpening seen on working knives. This example is 17 ¾” length with wedge section blade, clipped to a false edge on the left side. The integral tang retains two grip rivets and the base of the side lug guard which circumvented the prohibition of crossguards and blades of this size. Professionally stabilized condition. An affordable true Gothic sword.