Teutonic Order Great Sword, Passau

Teutonic Order Great Sword from Teyne River, late 14th / early 15th century.
Black grip, traditional inlays on the blade and pommel true to the original. 

Characteristics
This is a powerful and majestic longsword, primarily used for combat against armored opponents, but also represents a rather large group of greatswords from the heyday of the Teutonic Order in Central Europe. The sword has a hexagonal cross-section, very typical of blades from the Pasawka workshops. The reconstruction parameters have been reproduced very closely to the original sword. The massive sword is well-balanced for two-handed use. The broad blade tapers slightly towards the point, while a wide but shallow fuller extends about two-thirds of its length before fading softly. The large pommel serves as an additional blunt weapon for this sword. It has edges and profiles that give it the shape of a mace. The sword is ideal for the half-sword technique and close combat against armored opponents. The reinforced cutting edges provide enormous striking power thanks to the heavy, wide blade. This is a powerful long sword, a combat tool in every respect.

Measurements:
total length 1255mm
blade length 990mm
blade width 57mm
grip 213mm
crossguard 204mm
pommel 57x47x52mm
balance 90mm
weight 2090g
sharp

Available (ask via email)

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About the original sword
Collection of the Malbork Castle Museum (inv. no. MZM/mt/535)
This majestic and unique longsword is currently stored in the Malbork Castle Museum. It is so-called 'Jerusalem Sword', which dates back to around 1340-1400. It was found in the area of Tropy Elbląskie, during the dredging of the Tina River (medieval name Teyne), which flows through Żuławy Elbląskie. The place where it was found suggests that this sword could have reached the territory of the Teutonic Order in Prussia with the arrival of one of the groups of Western European knights, heading on one of the expeditions against the Lithuanians. Although badly damaged, its pommel, on both sides, has well-preserved inlays, made of brass. The sword's blade has preserved decorations in the form of signs and inscriptions. There are also wolves on both sides of the blade. This symbol allows us to state that the sword was manufactured in Passau in the 14th century.

There are also many very interesting construction details in this magnificent sword. The pommel is big and massive. On the edges are inlaid equal-armed crosses, three on each side.

On the pommel is large Cross Crosslet, often confused with the Jerusalem Cross. The Crosslet Cross is a heraldic cross made of four Latin Crosses arranged at right-angles to each other (or one Greek Cross with small crosses at the end of each arm), with the top of each small cross pointing to different direction (north, south, east and west). A common interpretation is that this represents the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Like the Jerusalem Cross, it is also considered as a symbol for world evangelism (though the Jerusalem Cross is not a Crosslet), which gives it an alternative name: Mission Cross. It is also known as Crossed Cross, and can be found on other different Missionary Crosses such as St Julian's Cross.

Inscriptions and markings on the blade
Both sides of the blade bear interesting inscriptions in capital letters. They are difficult to interpret due to their decorative style and imprecise preservation. These are undoubtedly the first letters of a prayer, psalm, or other religious invocation.
It can be interpreted as follows:
(wolf sign) I/T, D/O, R/N, S (leaf)
(wolf sign) E/O, D/O, C/G (cross)