A significant South German "Langes Messer" (one-handed sword), circa 1530/40 Slender single-edged blade with triple fullers on both sides. The imperial orb mark engraved on the obverse root of the blade. The straight, extended quillons with spirally fluted decoration. The finials chased in the shape of dragon's heads, one inset tongue has been lost. The knuckle guard on the obverse chased with fully sculptured monsters' heads. Smooth finger rests on the reverse. The iron hilt forged as one piece, with fullers and three inlays in a delicate chequered pattern of bone and horn inset on both sides. The fourth inlay each made of roughened staghorn. Bird's head pommel. The imperial orb mark engraved on the back of the pommel, the hilt engraved on the side with the Spanish motto "POR MI LEY - Y POR MI REY" (tr. "For my law and my king"), probably of later date. Length 133 cm. The unusual, one-handed sword of superlative, courtly quality. This late form of the "Langes Messer" was commonly also used as a hunting sword. Condition: II