DescriptionThe silver-embellished pommel and the crossguard made of copper (rather than steel) wrapped with silver wire suggest that this sword was intended for presentation or for ceremonial use rather than for battle. The Latin quotation inscribed on the pommel reads (in translation): "Here, too, virture has its due reward" (Virgil, Aeneid, book 1, line 461). The inscription (now illegible) on the blade is an early example of the use of acid to etch decoration on weapons.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: (on pommel. Latin, in Gothic letters): sunt hic etiam sua praemia lavdi [Here, too, virtue (valor) has its due reward] (Quotation from Virgil, Aeneis, Book I, line 461, according to Brian Cook, Greek & Roman Dept.) (on blade, Latin, in large slightly raised Gothic letters): DOMIN......TEMPOR[A?]SANCTA MA[RIA?] Marks: (on each side of blade): see Cards for illustrations