1574 Dated 16th Century German Walloon Broadsword Sword Saber Running Wolf

Description

The Walloon style hilt is first known to appear during the 30 years war, 1518-48. But it’s rare to find one earlier than late 17th century. Very simple Walloon hilt with knuckle bow, one side bar and thumb ring. Note the shape of the lobe in the center of the knuckle bow. Pierced double kidney shaped counter guard. Piercing are larger and fewer than seen in most later examples. Extra band of braded wire at base of grip appears to be original. All parts of the hilt are tight. Braded wire is tight. Main wire has slight looseness. Blade  is strait, non-tapering and single edged with a short false edge. Blade appears flat, but is wedge shaped in cross section. Like a flattened katana blade. The edge and both fullers begin right at the guard. Spine side fuller ends as the false edge begins. Interestingly, the edge side fuller continues a bit further than the spine side fuller.
The reverse side of the blade has a ? shaped mark repeated 3 times. The obverse side has a crown near the hilt, followed by the famous German running wolf mark. And then the date, framed in crucifixes. As they would have said in the 16th century. The year of our Lord, 15 hundred and 74. This is by far the earliest dated sword I have ever owned. It does not appear to have ever seen action. There are no nicks to the edge. This sword is in museum quality condition.
Overall length 37 1/2″. Blade 31 9/16″ long X 1 1/8″ wide. 2 Lbs. 11 oz.