This German Hand and a Half Sword is full of the character of the Holy Roman Empire; a burly example of a Bastard Sword, it is probably better understood as a large longsword in its dimensions and heft though the original this one takes its inspiration from is regularly characterized as a bastard sword. Powerful and capable of grievous chops and cuts, this sword was purpose-built for fighting on battlefields dominated by blocks of infantry festooned with all manner of pikes, halberds and swords. The wide and large guard with its substantial dual rings gives testament to the need for defense against large hafted weapons and greatswords in the chaos of a thick melee. Its wide blade clearly capable of returning quick and decisive, foe-rending chops and hacks in the thick of a scrum. The large, sharpened and well-tempered blade is crafted from GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel and it is solidly mounted into a hilt with a stainless steel guard and pommel. The wooden grip is over-bound in cord-impressioned leather with risers beneath. A wide peen over the pommel gives a solid foundational fixture for anchoring the blade into the hilt. The scabbard is built and carved to match the sword with a wooden core which is bound in stitched leather and finished with a brass chape.