The thing could cut an armoured opponent in two with one blow! Damn.
A double-handed sword dating back to the first half of the 16th century has been recently donated to Heritage Malta’s Palace Armoury within the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta by Dott. Francesco Pegoiani Penna from his private collection.
The feared sword
The incredible sword, called Zweihander or Doppelhander (double-hander) or Beidhander (both-hander) required certain special skills to use. Soldiers who would fight using this sword were even paid extra above their usual pay, and it was feared by many, being able to cut through and sever one’s opponent in a swift blow. Yikes!
The sword was developed from the so-called bastard sword or montante (longsword) of the Late Middle Ages. In its later form, the Zweihander acquired the characteristics of a pole arm rather than a sword. Consequently, it was not carried in a sheath but across the shoulder, definitely warding off the cowards!
Back in time
These swords were used by the Knights of the Order of St John and by the mercenaries during the Great Siege of 1565. The use of such weapons is documented in the painting by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio in the Grand Council Hall (Throne Room) also within the Grand Master’s Palace.
The Palace Armoury holds two similar hand-and-half swords that date back to the same period. These too were used in the Great Siege to defend Malta from the Turks.
The double-handed sword received by Heritage Malta
The sword is considered a historically important weapon. Originally, 42 similar double-handed or hand-and-half swords were documented to be found in the armoury in the late 18th century. Unfortunately, only the two swords mentioned above remain, and the rest were presumably moved to England in the early 19th century.
The sword is currently at the Heritage Malta Conservation Laboratories and is being prepared for display at the Palace Armoury.
Check out this cool addition at the Grand Master’s Palace which is open from Monday to Sunday between 9am and 5pm.