Parade Sword

c. 1500–1525

Parade Sword, c. 1500–1525. Italy, Ferrara, early 16th Century. Steel, etched and gilded; overall: 101.9 cm (40 1/8 in.); blade: 85.4 cm (33 5/8 in.); quillions: 17.5 cm (6 7/8 in.); grip: 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.704 This parade sword has a steel blade with etched and gilded bands of decoration. The decoration includes allegorical figures such as dancing satyrs and nymphs, amorini or cupids, and triumphs. The pommel, the rounded knob on the end of the handle, is flat and shaped like a shield; a raised rosette further embellishes it. The quillons or two transverse projecting members forming the cross guard, are flattened and drooping toward the blade. Ercole dei Fedeli was an Italian goldsmith and master sword engraver; his name appears on this blade.