Thirty Years War Swedish Officer’s Broadsword, ca. 1630

Description

What ostensibly began as a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Bohemia in 1618, expanded and turned into the Renaissance equivalent of a world war. It ravaged Central Europe, primarily Germany, and resulted in the deaths of between 4.5 and 8 million soldiers and civilians from battle, disease, and famine. It was a particularly brutal conflict, with victorious troops often committing widespread acts of extreme cruelty on civilians. The largest example being the siege and sack of the Protestant City of Magdeburg in 1631, resulting in the death of around 20,000 of its defenders and civilians- around 80% of its inhabitants. In 1630, Swedish troops led by King Gustavus Adolphus entered the conflict . They inflicted a massive defeat on the Imperial forces at Breitenfeld, avenging the sack of Magdeburg just months before. While the Imperial forces under Count Tilly allowed wanton pillaging and plunder of the towns, largely because he lacked the funds to pay them, Adolphus prohibited his men from the plunder or destruction of the towns or private property. Adolphus defeated Imperial forces under Wallenstein at the Battle of Lutzen in November, 1632, who took over command after Tilly died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Rain. Always one to lead from the front, Adolphus found himself isolated behind enemy lines and was killed. To this day, Gustavus Adolphus is considered one of Sweden’s greatest heroes.

This example of distinctly Scandinavian style features iron hilt with vertically recurved quillons with engraved scroll quillons; heart-shaped side ring with inserted plate pierced with round holes and stars; forward guard bar screwed to the engraved heart-shaped pommel; reverse thumb ring. Original wood grip, no wrap. Double-edged 33 1/2” (85 cm) blade of flattened diamond section with stamped inscription in its short double fullers and incised anchor mark. Very good condition; the blade sharp, showing lamination and scattered pitting. A well-balanced sword which would have been carried by a Swedish officer during the Thirty Years War. Overall length 39 3/4” (101 cm).