German Zweihanders for 15th and 16th Century Armies

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the battlegrounds of Europe witnessed the rise of the German mercenaries, known as the Landsknechte. Among them, the Doppelsöldner – soldiers of exceptional bravery – carried the massive Zweihänder, a two-handed sword that became a symbol of their prowess and the devastating power of German martial tradition.

The Landsknechte were a force to be reckoned with, often serving various European powers due to their reputation for discipline and effectiveness in battle. Their vibrant, slashed clothing and the massive blades they wielded set them apart on the battlefield.

The Zweihänder was employed to break enemy pike formations, its vast length and weight allowing soldiers to sweep aside or even break the opposing side's weapons. Often leading the charge, these Doppelsöldner would create openings for the pikemen following closely behind.

Throughout the late 15th and 16th centuries, these German mercenaries were involved in numerous conflicts, most notably the Italian Wars, where they played pivotal roles in battles such as Marignano (1515) and Pavia (1525). The Habsburg-Valois rivalry that underpinned these wars often saw the Landsknechte pitted against the Swiss pikemen, another formidable infantry force of the time.

Printing at 100% resolution will yield a 28mm miniature. Prints at 105% are slightly more in scale with Perry Miniatures and 110% prints will be in a compatible scale with Warhammer Fantasy miniatures.