The largest known European combat two-handed sword is kept in the museum in Leeuwarden Frisia, the Netherlands.
Manufactured in Passau, Germany. In the middle of the 15th century. The handle is made of oak wood and covered with a single piece of goatskin taken from the leg, meaning there is no seam. The blade is branded "Inri" (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
Presumably this sword belonged to the rebel and pirate Pierre Gerlofs Donia known as "Big Pierre", who, according to legend, could cut off several heads with them at once, he could also bend coins using his thumb, forefinger and middle finger.
According to legend, this sword was brought to Friesland by the German Landsknechts and was used as a banner (it was not a battle one). Captured by the rebels, he was presented to Pierre, and he, using his enormous height and strength, began to use the sword as a fighting sword.
Promotional video:
By the way, indirectly, the growth of "Big Pierre" can be estimated by the size of his helmet, which is kept in the mayor's office of the town of Snake.
On January 29, 1515, his yard was destroyed and burned by soldiers from the Black Gang, the Landsknechts of the Saxon Duke George the Bearded, and Rintze was raped and killed. Hatred of his wife's murderers prompted Pierre to take part in the Geldern War against the powerful Habsburgs, on the side of the Duke of Gueldern Charles II (1492-1538) of the Egmont dynasty. He made a treaty with the Duchy of Geldern and became a pirate.
Image of Pierre 16th - 17th centuries:
The ships of his flotilla "Arumer Zwarte Hoop" dominated the Zuidersee, causing great damage to the Dutch and Burgundian shipping. After the capture of 28 Dutch ships, Pierre Gerlofs Donia (Grutte Pier) solemnly declared himself "King of Frisia" and headed for the liberation and unification of his native country. However, after he noticed that the Duke of Geldern did not intend to support him in the war of independence, Pierre canceled the treaty of alliance and resigned in 1519. On October 18, 1520, he died in Grootzand, a suburb of the Frisian town of Sneek. Buried on the north side of the Great Snake Church (built in the 15th century)
Monument to "Big Pierre":