Italy, Ferrara, early 16th Century / c. 1500–1525
Parade Sword
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Parade Sword as arms and armor (Italy, Ferrara, early 16th Century · c. 1500–1525).
Ercole dei Fedeli was an Italian goldsmith and master sword engraver; his name appears on this blade.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel, etched and gilded.
The museum's collection notes: This parade sword has a steel blade with etched and gilded bands of decoration. The decoration includes allegorical figures such as dancing satyrs and nymphs, amorini or cupids, and triumphs. The pommel, the rounded knob on the end of the handle, is flat and shaped like a shield; a raised rosette further embellishes it. The quillons or two transverse projecting members forming the cross guard, are flattened and drooping toward the blade.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtParade SwordOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.