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Swiss or German

Katzbalger (Infantry Sword)

1500/15
Steel, brass, and walnut burl
88.9 × 17.8 cm (35 × 7 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The Katzbalger (German for cat-gutter) was the principal sidearm of the early 16th-century Swiss and German foot soldier. Its short, wide double-edged blade was designed for slashing in close quarters, while the bold S-shaped guard protected the user’s hand and forearm from adversaries’ blows.

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