LK Chen Munich Town Guard sword takes its inspiration from an iconic sword crafted by the famed German sword maker Wolfgang Stantler in the early 17th century which is commonly known today as the Munich Town Guard sword. It has a sharp and well tempered blade of GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel which hits a fine balance between rigidity for the thrust and necessary flex for resilience. Not only is the sword capable of decisive punctures on a target, but it can cut and slash with considerable ability! The complex guard is well-cast from stainless steel with a dull gray finish. The grip is bound in tight braided wire surmounted by wire knotwork. Included with the sword is a wooden scabbard which is bound in leather and completed with a protective stainless steel chape.
These “Town Guard” swords are in essence medieval single-hand arming swords with the addition of protective bars to take the place of the plate gauntlet. While post-dating the Oakeshott’s medieval sword typology, Munich Town Guard typically correspond to Oakeshott Type XV and XVIII blades, balancing cutting and thrusting abilities by starting broad at the guard and tapering dramatically to an acute point. It was a design that was a fine all-rounder with its considerable cut-and-thrust ability and it could be used as readily for the battlefield or for self defense in the raucous city streets at evening.
The Town Guard’s thick forte and tang, strong profile and distal taper, complex hilt and wire-bound grip combine to create a lively weapon that also is heavy enough to withstand and excel at use against armored opponents on a crowded battlefield. Whereas a rapier is often a specialized dueling and self-defense weapon to be used in non-military contexts, the more robust Sidesword has a ready place on the 17th century battlefield. Many of Stantler’s battle swords can be found outside Germany in collections throughout the world including the Royal Armories, Armories of the Dukes of Burgundy and Higgins Armory Museum and Wallace collection.
Please Note: The guard / hilt of the sword has a dull gray finish which looks brighter under studio photography lights. It is normal and common for there to be some minor blemishes, such as scuffs / scratches on the finish present.
James (verified owner) –
First off this type of sword is not my usual purchase but this one appealed to me and I’ve zero regret on my purchase it’s outstanding. If the unpolished basket is a deal breaker don’t allow that to stop you it’s very well made and cleans up easily with some sandpaper to a nice satin finish if that’s what you like..I’d definitely recommend this sword the scabbard is very nice and a good fit..KOA as always with them made it an effortless purchase and a speedy delivery..