A BRUNSWICK STATE TWO-HAND PROCESSIONAL SWORD OF THE GUARD OF JULIUS, DUKE OF BRUNSWICK AND LÜNEBURG IN WOLFENBÜTTEL (1528-89), N.4 DATED 1574 with straight double-edged blade of flattened diamond-section, rectangular ricasso formed with a pair of slender up-turned lugs in the middle, one stamped with a wheel mark, boldly incised with the crowned Ducal monogram, the number and the date vertically divided by a gibbet within a linear frame on each side, iron hilt comprising a pair of ribbon-like quillons each interrupted by a fish-shaped moulding and engraved with scrolling foliage, widening and curled forward and back at the respective down-curved terminals, a pair of small flat engraved serpentine lugs at the base, engraved inner and outer ring-guards each interrupted with three baluster mouldings and filled with a saltire, the former with thumb-ring, thick pierced crutch-shaped pommel engraved with a central panel of trellis and scrolling foliage, the top decorated with a scale pattern, and later leather-covered wooden grip (expertly restored) 130.8 cm; 51 1/2 in blade This sword forms part of the well documented group made for Duke Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1528-1589) in 1573 and 1574. The prototype was probably that made by Wolf Gabriel and delivered to the court in 1573. Another sword from this group dated 1574 and numbered 237 was sold in this room 8th December 2010, lot 155. Duke Julius's reign brought considerable wealth to the Duchy through a number of activities including mining and metalworking. The armourers of Brunswick and the local area flourished during this period and the armoury was a highlight of the tours of the ducal castle in Wolfenbüttel, being specifically mentioned as such in 1578. A near contemporary description reflects its considerable holdings within: 'Lange Rüstkammer, Kleine Kammer nach dem Zimmerhof, Harnischkammer, Lange Kammer und Oberste Kammer'.