Krakow, ca. 1520
Silver hilt, and gold leaf scabbard
© Zamek Królewski na Wawelu/Königsschloss auf dem Wawel
Foto: Stanisław Michta
On his sword’s scabbard, Sigismund I is depicted with royal insignia and the inscription “Sigismund Rex Iustus” (Sigismund the just king). The Sword of Justice was used for the nobilitation ceremony. Removed by the Prussians in 1795, it was only returned to Poland in 1963. Today, the sword is in the Treasury of the Royal Castle on the Wawel.
Anna Ziemlewska