Thrusting Sword (<i>Spada da Stocco</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This early sword is one of the few to retain fragments of its original grip bindings, here consisting of red and green silk. The stiff acutely pointed blade is designed to pierce the gaps between the plates of an opponent's armor.

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