WoTLert
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A hand forged 'grosses messer' replica, a type of 13th - 16th century German one handed, single edged broad sword, known for its unique handle construction.
Also shown, Freya, my four year old feline overlady.
Said handle. It's made like a steak knife, with full width tang and handle scales attached with pins.
Clip point with false edge, making this a type 3C in the unofficial but moderately widely regarded Elmslie typography for messers and falchions.
Maker's mark.
The messer is 27.7" long with a 22.4" blade. These were historically used by 'Landsknecht' mercenaries among others in the region that's now Germany.
I also got myself this, a hand forged, iron replica of a medieval utility knife.
ItchaBoiJake
The word Landsknecht implies they weren't noble, but rather servants. How common was it for them to be hired ? Were they used in many wars ?
WoTLert
That asks knowledge of history I do not possess, sorry. Maybe a proper google search can answer it. Good eye on the translation though.