Rare Engraved German Execution Sword, 17th Century

It is a remarkable execution sword, called a Germanic “justice” sword, dating from the 17th century. Executions at this time took place either by hanging for thieves and low-level criminals, or by decapitation, which could be done as in England and Central Europe using a justice ax, or by using a sword. when the executioner was sufficiently skilled.
BLADE: This is the characteristic blade of execution swords. After a very short ricasso of 7mm, it has a wide flattened lenticular section, with two edges. A central fuller occupies the first 18 centimeters of the blade. It is surrounded by plant interlacing. We can read the famous inscription:
On the external side "Die Herren steuren dem Unheil" (= the Lords have decreed the law")
And on the internal side "Ich exequiere Ihr Endls Urtheil" (= I execute their final decision ")
The engravings are of good quality: On the external side a wheel of justice and a gallows, then a floral motif, and on the internal side the date 1693 and an allegorical representation of justice carrying sword and scales.
Length of the blade 85.5 cm, width at the ricasso = 4.7 cm, thickness at the ricasso 9 mm
GUARD This is a chiseled bronze guard, typical of mounts from the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th. The quillons are straight and feature plant motifs.
POMMEL : It is made of bronze, voluminous, and richly chiseled
GRIP : It is covered with a complex filigree of twisted copper. The braided “Turk’s head” ferrules are also made of copper.
This historic piece is rare on the market
. Ref BM-2442