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The German Zweihnder derived from the longsword in the 14th century. It was originally popular with German and Swiss mercenaries. This sword marked the finale of the trend of increasing sword sizes of the late Middle Ages. When completed, this sword more closely resembled a thrusting polearm (a spear-like weapon such as the Svrdstav) than a longsword. In fact, solders carrying the sword fought in a pike formation, commonly used with polearms. The Zweihnder weighed more than 4.5 pounds and were a minimum of 4.5 feet long. Some longer Zweihnder, primarily used for ceremonial purposes, were up to ten pounds and seven feet long. Due to its size, the Zweihnder was worn around the shoulder rather than in a sheath. Soldiers who excelled in its use gained the title Master of the Long Sword, or Meister des langen Schwertes in German. The sword fell out of favor in the end of the 16th century but continued to be used in ceremonial use throughout the 17th century.
