Practice Sword

Ulrich Diefstetter

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Purposely made with dull edges and blunt tips, this practice sword and another similar example in The Met's collection (acc. no. 14.25.1111) are descendants of knightly war swords, which were made to be wielded with either one hand or two. Known simply as the long sword, this type was a specialty of the German school, which continued to practice its use long after it had been abandoned elsewhere.

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