Weapons Systems
Katzbalger
Early Modern
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The katzbalger is a short arming sword of the Holy Roman Empire, recognizable by its distinctive S-shaped or figure-8 guard, and was the signature sidearm of the Landsknecht, German mercenary infantry. Carried during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including the Habsburg-Valois Wars and the European Wars of Religion, it measured 70 to 80 centimeters, weighed 0.8 to 1.5 kilograms, and had a straight, broad, flat blade suited to cutting rather than thrusting. It served pikemen, archers and crossbowmen as a close-quarters backup weapon for when the enemy closed too near for bows or pikes to remain effective.
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