Gründtliche Beschreibung der freyen ritterlichen unnd adelichen Kunst des Fechtens in allerley gebreuchlichen Wehren mit vil schönen und nützlichen Figuren gezieret und fürgestellet (A Thorough Description of the Free Knightly and Noble Art of Fencing, in All the Typical Guards, Adorned and Arranged with Many Beautiful and Useful Figures)

Joachim Meyer

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Meyer was one of the most influential later proponents of the Geman long sword, following the techniques first codified two centuries earlier by Johannes Liechtenauer. Meyer's manual appeared in four editions between 1570 and 1660. It is divided into five sections, the first and longest dealing with the art of the long sword. The others include instruction in the Dussack (a saberlike wooden practice weapon indigenous to Germany), rapier techniques based on the Italian school, dagger fighting, and the use of various staff weapons.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art