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While implemented in Germany in the 14th century, it gained renown during the sixteenth century as the hallmark weapon of the Swiss Confederates, employed as mercenaries by German Emperor Maximilian I as Companies of Landsknechts (serfs to the land).
The zweihander could be up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long from the base of the handle to the tip of the blade, with a 4 to 5 foot (1.2 to 1.5 m) blade and 1, 1 1/2 foot (300 to 450 mm) hilt. The weight could range between 2.8 and 5 kg.
Most were shorter, though - especially earlier versions had an overall length of about 5 feet (1.5 m), weighing in at as little as 1.5 kg.
Guards could be plain or ornate - white hilts usually ended with heart or pear shaped heavy pommels. When originally debuted in the 14th century, the construction was very similar to that of a scaled up longsword. Occasionally a blunted portion of the forte (often covered with leather) at the base of the blade allowed a hand to be placed above the upper gaurd to 'shorten the grip' and make the weapon faster. By the 16th century a second smaller upper gaurd was forged into the blade rather than the hilt, to protect this hand hold.
A cursory glance might lead many into dismissing it as a clumsy, unwieldy equipment - a "terror implement" rather than a real weapon. The largest versions probably were.
While unsuited to close fencing, the shorter versions did see actual combat - and they were best employed against pikemen, to disrup their thick formations.
Wielding it effectively not only required brawn and stature - but also skill and proper training; soldiers capable of such a feat were usually fielded as shock troops - they earned twice the pay of a common footman and were called "doppel soldner".
Today, zweihanders are considered ornamental weapons - but a few committed martial artists do still pratice two-handed swordplay.