Estoc (Thrusting Sword)

late 16th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371

An estoc, also called a tuck or a panzerstecher (literally, armor piercer), is a type of sword carried by armored cavalrymen in the mid-to late sixteenth century, during the peak period when plate body armor was in use. It is characterized by a long, narrow, acutely pointed blade, usually triangular in cross section. This resulted in a very stiff blade, designed to puncture mail or pierce the gaps in plate armor.

Artwork Details

Title: Estoc (Thrusting Sword)
Date: late 16th century
Culture: German, Saxony
Medium: Steel, shagreen, wood
Dimensions: L. 48 1/8 in. (122.2 cm); L. of blade 42 1/8 in. (106.9 cm); W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 9 oz. (1615.9 g)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.1049
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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