2021-03-18

Thury's sword

 In less than two weeks' time many Hungarian reenactors will be commemorating the 450th anniversary of György Thury's death. The famous hussar and skilled swordsman was ambushed and killed by Turks in 1571 near Nagykanizsa. After the ambush his head was delivered to the sultan in Istambul. 

One of his swords.

 For nearly two decades he fought successfully against Ottoman invaders. Besides being an excellent commander, he was regarded by the contemporaries as one of the most outstanding duellists of 1550-60s. After his untimely death -- he was only 52-53 years old -- one of his favourite swords was sent to Vienna. In 1933 the Hungarian National Museum (HNM) received it back. [1]

Total length: 1070 mm. 

According to Tibor S. Kovács, curator of the HNM several other, very similar swords are in possession of the museum (average length: 115-119 cm, blade width: 5 cm).  



 The last two pictures give us a better understanding of the actual size and beauty of Thury's sword. [2]
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  1. Kovács S. Tibor: Thúry György kanizsai kapitány pallosa. Folia historica 26. Budapest, 2008-2009. 77-84. o.
  2. An exhibition in 2017. (Gallery)

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