In the Imperial Treasury of Vienna are two superb swords of state, the earlier and more remarkable having the grip and scabbard composed of a bisected narwhal horn, which in the XVth century was supposed to be that of the unicorn, and as such held in great veneration as a talisman (Fig. 716). The shape of this sword follows more or less the tapering and gently spiral twist of the horn, and the swordsmith has adapted the silver-gilt and jewelled mounts upon it with wonderful skill; the weapon in general proportions is not far removed from those of the German foining swords of the second half of the XVth century. This remarkable weapon bears the tradition, which may be accepted, that it was originally in the armoury of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
 | An image should appear at this position in the text. To use the entire page scan as a placeholder, edit this page and replace "{{missing image}}" with "{{raw image|A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/378}}". Otherwise, if you are able to provide the image then please do so. For guidance, see Wikisource:Image guidelines and Help:Adding images. |  |
Fig. 715. Ceremonial sword
Presented by Maximilian I in 1495 to Eberhard von Würtemberg on the occasion of his being created Duke
Now in the castle of Stuttgart
The second sword (Fig. 717), in the Imperial Treasury of Vienna, is in the more recognized late XVth century fashion, and is a veritable chef-d'œuvre of the swordsmith's art. The foundation of the grip and pommel may be said to have the appearance of a series of mouldings cleverly built up; while around the pommel are shield-shaped facets upon which are represented the arms of the Electors. The blade is most elaborately etched, gilt, and blued, the quillons are spirally twisted and pierced à jour; while the surface of the iron hilt is plated with gold, brilliantly blued and russeted to a curious red-brown colour according to the requirements of the design. The whole weapon is in an astonishingly perfect state of preservation, almost mint state in the brilliancy of its colour. It bears the monogram of the Emperor Maximilian I, emblems of the order of the Golden Fleece and of the order of St. Andrew. On the underside of the quillons, and only to be seen when the sword is unmounted, is the monogram of its maker, "Maister M. S. von H." It is a sword of investiture and forms part of the Austrian Archducal Insignia.
