Kölner Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150)

Kölner Fechtregeln
MS Best.7020 (W*)150, Historisches Archiv Cologne, Germany
ff 1v - 2r
Hagedorn K Leng —
Wierschin 20 Hils 25
Also known as	MS W.* 8 150
Type	Fencing manual Wrestling manual
Date	ca. 1500
Language(s)	Early New High German (Ripuarian)
Author(s)	Unknown
Size	23 folia (100 mm × 145 mm)
Format	Double-sided
External data	Library catalog entry Handschriftencensus
Treatise scans	Microfilm scans
Other translations	Traduction française

The title of this article contains the character ö. Where it is unavailable or not desired, the name may be represented as Koelner Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150).

The Kölner Fechtregeln ("Fencing Rules"; MS Best. 7020 (W*)150) is an anonymous German fencing manual created around the turn of the 16th century. It currently rests in the holdings of the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln in Cologne, Germany; it was housed in the wing of the Archive that collapsed on 3 March 2009, but it was recovered and seems to have been undamaged.

The Kölner Fechtregeln contains several verses resembling Johannes Liechtenauer's Recital, but it has few other obvious parallels to the teachings of the high master. However, as Jay Acutt points out, it does bear a certain resemblance to the syllabus of the Marxbrüder fencing guild as described by Hans Sachs.

Provenance

The known provenance of the MS Best. 7020 (W*)150 is:

• Created in ca. 1500 by an anonymous scribe; the dialect of German used in the text (Ripuarian) suggests an origin in Cologne, Germany.
• before 1824 – acquired by scholar and collector Ferdinand Franz Wallraf (donated upon his death, 1824).
• 1824-present – held by the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln.

Contents

1r	Blank
1v	Metallurgical recipe Images No Translation Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann [01v] Salamonias 1 loitt Wijßs victoriale 2 loitt Spanisgraen 2 loyt Salpeter 2 loytt Seyr nach anderhalpf so vyll sylbers als goltz ~
2r - 8r	Anonymous long sword pieces Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Here begins the text and curriculum of the long sword. First, make good footing and stretch your arms free. Whatever you then fence, this sets it up. [02r] Hyr hebet sich aen der text vnd zedell ym langen sweerd Zom eersten mach gudt bossenn vnd streck dy arm fry wastu dan fichts das wapent sich. Likewise: Understand the 5. cuts like this: The descending cut from the right shoulder with the long edge and take position with your left foot. The left descending cut is also the same; take position with the right foot and cut through the head with the long edge in the plunge. Item dy .V. hewe vernym also, den ouer hewe van der rechter achselin myt langer snyden vnd mach bossen myt dem lincken voysz des glichen yst auch der linck ouer hewe mach bossen myt dem rechten voysz vnd hawe myt der langen snyden durch ym deen koff ym stortz :~ Likewise: Cut back around through their head into the schylt and back through in the opposite direction into the plunge and lay the sword upon your back, allow it to sink to the right side. Turn your pommel against your opponent and your point out behind, so that you arrive in the right middle cut. Cut in front of yourself, across the head into the left middle cut and back across into the head into the right changer with the long edge down. [Cut] with the short edge up around the head into the left change. These are the 5. cuts. One shall learn each if you otherwise wish to fence properly. Item hewe veder vmb durch ym den koff yn schylt vnd vidder vmb durch ym den koff yn stortz, vnd lech das swert vff den ruck laysz esz syncken vff dy rechten syten Keer den knouff gegen den man vnd den ort hynder vsz so komstu yn den rechten myttel hewe Hewe vur ewech vmb den koff yn den lincken myttel hewe, vnd vidder vmb yn den koff yn dy rechte weschel myt der langenn snyden nydder myt der kortzen snydenn [02v] vff vmb den koff yn den lincken weschell. das synt dy .V. hewe dy eyn ycklinger leren sail der anders recht fechten wil :~ Likewise: The text and gloss follows hereafter [on how] one shall cut. Likewise: One shall cut according to these figures, all cuts through the face with outstretched arms and make good footing in all things, so you do not make yourself mess up. Item hyr volgt nach der text vnd gloysz dar na man hewen sael. Item nach deser figuren sall man hewen, alle hewe durch das gesicht mit gestreckten armen vnd mach gut bossen yn allen dyngen so mach dir nyt misseligen. :~ Likewise: The curriculum of the longsword follows hereafter. Whatever you wish to execute strongly, Fence that with your entire body. Both low and high, Execute the two things strongly, that I will praise. [03r] Item hyr nach volget der zedell des langenn swerts wastu starck wils dryben das fecht myt gantzem lebe beyd vnden vnd obenn dy zwei dyngdryb starck das will ich lobenn. Likewise: If you frighten easily, do not learn to fence. Whoever wishes to fence, they shall have a heart of a lion and shall also see as sharply as a falcon and shall also be as agile as a bird. Item erschrecks du gern keyn fechten nummer en lern, Wer fechten will der sall haben eyn hertz alsz eyn lewe vnd sall also scharff seen alsz eyn Valck vnd sall also behende syn alsz eyn vogel. Likewise: Understand the four openings in the context of the sword like this: The two high openings upon the head, the other two low openings to both sides below the arms. Item dy vyer bloyß ym swerd vernym also, dy zwo ouer bloyß am haupt dy ander zwo vnderbloyß zo beyden syten vnder deen armen. Likewise: Also understand the four positions like this: Position your sword upon the right shoulder and place your body in balance with good footing, The left high position is also the same, place your right foot forward. Item dy veyr leger vernym also. lege das swert vff dy rechte aschel vnd setz dyn liff yn wage myt guden bossen des glychen yst auch der lynck ouer leger stell den rechten voyß vur. Understand the right low position like this: place your left foot forward and position the sword with the hilt upon the right leg, the point against the face of the opponent. Also similarly the lower left position: turn the point of the sword toward the face of the opponent. Das rechte vnder leger vernym also stell den lyncken voyß vur vnd lege das swert myt dem geholtz [03v] Vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegent das gesicht, des glich yst auch der linck vnder leger keer das swert denn ort dem mann gegen das gesicht. Likewise: Understand the four bind ups in the sword like this: Bind up against their left high opening with the short edge, lunge forward and bind up against their right high opening with the long edge, lunge forward and strike at the lower left opening and lunge forward and strike at the lower right opening with the flat. Item dy vyer an bynde ym swert vernym also bynde ym an myt der kortzen snyden an dy lincken ouer bloyß trydt vort vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden an dy rechte ouer bloyß tryt vort vnd slage ym nach der lyncken vnder bloyß myt der kortzen snyden vnd tryt vort vnd slage ym nach der rechten vnder bloyß myt der flech. Likewise: One play called the wing. Bind them up high with the short edge and strike with the long edge at their lower right opening and immediately with the short edge at the high opening and cut through off the opponent into the lower left position. Item eyn stuck heyst der flogel bynde ym ouen mit der kortzen snyden vnd slage ym nach der rechten vnder bloyß mit langer snyden. vnd bald myt der kortzen nach der ouer bloyß vnd hewe durch van dem man yn das lyncke vnder leger. Likewise: One play called the enticement. Act as if you wish to bind them up on the right and bind them up on the left and act as if you wish to bind them up on the left and bind them up on the right and cut strongly from the opponent with the long edge into the lower left position if you can't find them open. Item eyn stuck heyst das verzocking. do als wul= [04r] stu ym rech anbinden vnd bynd ym lincks an vnd do als wulstu ym lyncks an bynden vnd bynde ym rechs an vnd hewe dich starck myt der langen snyden van dem man yn den lyncken vnder leger so bistu nicht bloyß zo vinden. Likewise: One play is called the changing-through. Free up from both sides, so that you make the opponent entirely unsure and cut freely with stepping from one opening to another, so as to make it wander at will. Item eyn stuck heyst der durch weschell. fry van beyden syten so machs du des mans woel beyden vnd hewe myt schryden fry van eyner bloyß zoder andern so machs du frolich wandern. Likewise: One play is called the Iron Gate. Position yourself in the lower left position and let your point sink to the ground and cut the wing and strike out from the right side into the schylt and from the left side again into the plunge, so that you go from the iron gate to the alley-cut. Item eyn stuck dy yser porte geheyssen. lege dich yn das lynck vnder leger vnd layß den ort synckenn vff dy erde vnd hewe den flogell hewe vnd strych vff vß der rechten syten vur yn schylt vnd vß der lincken syten widder vff yn stortz so komstu vß der ysern porten yn den gassen hewe. Likewise: One play is called the plow. Understand the plow like this: turn from the right position into the left and from the left again into the right, so that you see what the opponent wishes to drive upon you or if they thrust, you can break them. Item eyn stuck heyst der pluck. den pluck vernym [04v] also wendt vß dem rechten leger yn den lincken vnd vß dem lincken widder yn rechten so sichstu was der man vff dych dryben will ader stycht her du kanß ym brechenn. :~ Likewise: One play is called the fool. Understand the fool like this: Turn the point in the air and hold the shield before the head. Whatever the opponent strikes from-the-day, one can break with this. Item eyn stuck heyst der olber. den olber vernym also kere den ort yn dy lucht vnd halt den schilt vur den koff was der man slecht van dach das kan man dar myt brechenn :~ Likewise: One play named the eye-cocker. Understand the eye-cocker like this: Cock an eye left and slash right and cock an eye right and slash left. In this way you confound the opponent with an unengaged face they cannot read. Item eyn stuck heyst der schilder. den schilder ver nym also schyl lincks vnd slach rechs, vnd schil rechst vnd slach lincks. so veruerß du den man mit dem gesicht des frewet her sych nycht. Likewise: One play called the clanger. Understand the clanger like this: Clang once, twice, thrice upon the opponent's edge so you may find their opening. Item eyn stuck heyst der scheller. den scheller ver nym also schelle eyn mael. Zwei. dry. vidder syme clyngen so machst du yn bloyß vynden :~ Likewise: One play called the inverter. Understand the inverter like this: Position your sword in front of your head. Let your point sink down behind and turn it to the right side and to the left, flittering from one to the other so they cannot protect themselves from you. If you can quite promptly find an opening, then the inverter is correct. Item eyn stuck heyst der verkerer. den verkerer [05r] vernym also lech dyn swerd vuer den koff. layß den ort hinder nidder sincken vnd kerre yn vff dy recht syten vnd vff dy lincken flucks van eyner zo der ander so kan er sich vur dyr nyt huden so machs du yn gare balde bloyß vynden so yst der verkerer gerecht :~ Likewise: One play called the ox. Understand the ox like this: Set the pommel against your chest, the point towards the opponent’s face and strongly and violently launch into them and cut into the winger and fly from the right side into the schylt. From the schylt, slash toward the upper left opening and swerve to the right, so that they must either parry or be struck hard. Item eyn stuck heyst der ocks. den ocksen vernym also sets den knouff an dy brust den ort dem man gegen dem gesycht vnd drynge starck zo ym vnd hewe yn den flogel vnd flucks vß der rechten syten yn schyll slach vß dem schylt nach der lincken ouer bloyß vnd swyndt nach der rechten so muß er versetzen ader wyrt hart geslagenn :~ Likewise: One play called the speaking window. Understand the speaking window like this: Make a wind in front of the head, such that your arms are crosswise, so that you discern whatever the opponent wishes to execute between them and execute quite great sweeps thereafter. From the speaking window you can strike them on both sides, left or right. Item eyn stuck heyst der sprech vinster. das vernym also mach eyn winde vur dem kopf das dyn armen krutzwerß synt so sychstu dar zußen vß was der man dryben will vnd gayn gare grosse streych dar nach [05v] vß dem sprech vinster du kanst yn zo beyden syten slagen lyncks ader rechs :~ Likewise: A break comes from the speaking window. If your opponent strikes strongly at your head, fall in front of their blade with your short edge, shove their sword away, so that you uncover their head. Item eyn broch komt vß der sprech vinster. so dyr eyn man starck zom kopf sleget valle ym mit der kortzen snyden vuer syn clynge stoysz ym syn swerte weck so entbloyß du ym syn kopf :~ Likewise: A play called the golden cuts. Act as if you wish bind the opponent up on the right and bind them up on the left, strike for their upper right opening two or three times, one after the other, in this way the golden cut is correct. Item eyn stuck heyst der gulden hewe. do alß wolstu ym rechst an bynden vnd bynd ym lincks an slage ym zween ader dry slege nach en andern nach siner rechten ouer bloyß so yst der gulden hewe recht :~ Likewise: A break for the golden cuts. When you see that the opponent wishes to use the golden cut, strike against their upper left opening with your short edge. Whatever they then strike, you can parry and lunge back and with the golden cuts, cut through into the plunge from the opponent and lay yourself in the lower left position, so that you are again prepared. Item eyn broch ouer den gulden hewe. Wan du suchs das eyner den gulden hewe bruchen wyll so slage ym mit der kortzen snyden an syn linck ouer bloiß was er dan slecht das kanstu versetzen vnd tryt zo ruck vnd hewe dich mit dem gulden [06r] hewe van dem man durch yn sturtz vnd lechs dich in das linck vnder leger so bistu widder gewapent :~ Likewise: One play called the triangle. Understand the triangle like this: Position yourself in the right changer and step to the opponent's right side with your right foot and shove their sword up with your short edge and dart behind them with your left foot so that you find their head open. Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangel. den dryangel ver nym also lech dich in dy rechte weschel vnd schrydt myt dym rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd stoß mit der kortzer snyden ym syn swert vff, vnd springe myt dynem lincken voyß hynder yn so vynstu yn bloyß am kopf :~ Likewise: A break for the triangle. when you see that the opponent wishes to use the triangle, lay in the schylt and step back and parry it with the golden parrying, strike at their nearest availble opening. Item eyn broch vuer den dryangel. wan du sychs das eyner den dryangel bruchen will so lege yn den schylt vnd tryt zo ruck vnd versetz em myt der gulden versetzynge slage ym nach der neyster vuer bloyß :~ Likewise: The crooked bind up. Understand the crooked bind up like this: Act as if you wish to bind them up on the right and bind them up on the left with the long edge and suddenly disengage as if you wish to bind up on the right but remain on the same side, strike at their upper right opening with your short edge, swerve to the left and sunder them with the golden cuts so that they do not rally themselves. Item das krom anbyndung. dy krom anbyndung vernym [06v] also do wy du wuls ym recht anbynden vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden lincks an vnd zock wy du ym wuls rechs anbynden vnd blyue an der seluer syten slage yn dy recht ouer bloyß mit der kortzen snyden swyn[dt] nach der lyncken vnd hewe dich aff myt der gulden hewe des mach er sich nyt frewen :~ Likewise: Whoever waits upon another’s cuts, They permit their Art no agency. Sunder from high whatever you wish No changer comes into the shield To the head, to the body Do not omit the exit. Alas, I say to you truthfully No man is without danger. If you frighten easily Never learn to fence There is no better parrying Than the one performed with sweeps. Item wer sycht vff eyns ander hewe der darff syn konst nyt frewen, hewe ouen aff was du wylt, sich kompt keyn wescheler yn den schilt zo koff zo lybe dy zuck nyt vermide ych sach dyr verware schoen kyn man am faren. erschrecks du gerne keyn fechten nummer erlern. Es yst keyn besser versetzungk dan dy man myt den streyche duyt Likewise: A sword taking. Understand it like this: Act as if you wish to bind up your opponent high and grab out onto their arm with your left hand [and] inside their hilt with an inverted hand and pull towards yourself, so that you take their sword. Item eyn swert nemen. das vernym also byndt dem mann ouen an vnd gryff myt der lyncker hant [07r] vszen vff syn arm mit verkerter hant yn syn gehultz vnd ruck nach dyr so nymstu ym das swert :~ Likewise: Another sword taking. Understand it like this: Act as if you wish to bind them up strongly and fall upon them with the hilt over their edge and with the left hand upon their hilt, pull strongly towards yourself, so that you take their sword and stand ready for combat. Item auer eyn swert nemen. das vernym also do als wuls du ym starck anbynden vnd valle ym myt dynem gehults vuer syn clynge vnd myt der lincken hant an syn gehultz ruck starck zo dyr so nymstu ym das swert vnd steyst ym kampff :~ Likewise: A free play on how one shall throw their opponent in the context of the sword. Understand it like this: Bind them up strongly from above and grasp their right elbow with your left hand, thrust up strongly into their face, so that you throw them upon their back. Item eyn fry stuck wy man den man werffen sall ym swerdt. das vernym also byndt ym starck ouen an vnd gryff yn mit dyner lincken hant an syn rechten elenbogen stoyß ym starck vff an syn gesicht so wyrff du yn vff syn ruck :~ Likewise: When you wish to smite your opponent upon the head, act as if you wish to bind strongly and grab in the middle of their hilt with your left hand and pull strongly toward yourself, so that you can uncover their head. Item wan du eyn man vff den koff wyls smißenn. do wy du ym starck wuls anbynden vnd gryff mit dyner lincker hant zußenn syn gehultz vnd ruck [07v] starck nach dyr so machs du ym den koff bloyß :~ Likewise: An overrunning in the context of the sword. How you shall throw the opponent. Understand it like this: Act as if you wish to bind up on the right and bind them up crossed. Wind against their blade with the short edge. Grab your blade with your left hand, lay the sword upon their neck and step with your left foot behind their left, drag them strongly toward yourself, so that they must fall. Item eyn ouer lauff ym swerdt wy du eyn man werffen sals. das vernym also do we du ym wuls recht an bynden vnd byndt ym kromß an wynd myt der kortzen snyden vff syn klyngen gryff mit dyner lincker hant an dyn clynge lege ym das swertan den hals vnd tryt mit dynem lincken wyß hynder synen lincken, ruck yn starck nach dir so moyß er vallen :~ Likewise: An underrunning in the context of the sword. Understand it like this: Act as if you wish to bind up high and shove their hilt over itself by the cross, so that you sieze it right there or however you are able to tie it up. Item eyn vnder lauff ym swerdt. das vernym also do wy du ym wuls hoch an bynden vnd stoeß myt krutz ym syn gehultz ouer sych, so gryffs du yn da mit ader wa du yn geuaßen machs :~ Likewise: Weak and strong, short and long is the singular origin of all art. Thereupon you hold all Art holds distance, measure. [08r] Item swech vnd starck kortz vnd langk yst aller konst eyn anphanck dar vff dicht vast alle konst halt lengen mayß :~ Likewise: Weak and strong. Understand it like this: Up by the point is the weak and the midpart of the blade is the Strong which you shall execute sharply with the short edge. [07v] Item swech vnd sterck vernym also oben by dem ort yst dy swech vnd der myttel deyl der cly[n]gen yst dy sterck das sulles du myt der kortzen snyden seer / dryuenn :~ Likewise: A play called the lion. Understand it like this: Set yourself in balance and with your head not too high, cut from the four quarters with strength, so you have the spirit of a lion and is good in front of another two in the fight. [08r] Item eyn stuck heyst der leue. den vernym also setz dych yn dy wage vnd mit dynem koff nyt zo hoych hewe vß vyer orten myt stercken so hastu des leuen moyt vnd byst vur ander zween ym stryt guett :·:
10v - 12r	Anonymous wrestling pieces Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Likewise: Wrestling follows herafter. When you wish to wrestle, set your body in balance and make good footing. When the opponent grabs you low or high, you can break it according to following plays. [10v] Item hy na volgt das Ryngen.  Wan du wylt ryngen so setz dyn lyb yn de wage vnd mach guytten bossen er gryff dych neder ader hoech so kanstu es yme brechen myt desen nach geschryffen stucken :~ Likewise: Four weaks and IIII strongs. Understand it like this: On both elbows and on both knees, there the opponent is weak and strong. On the elbow by the cap and the back of the knee, these are the weaks and in front of the knee and in front of the elbow, these are the strongs. Item vyer swech vnd iiij sterck dy vernym also an beyden elbogen vnd an beyden kneen da yst der man swach vnd starck an dem elbogen by den knuchell. hynden an dem knee bogen das synt de swech vnd vur dem knee vnd vur den elbogen das synt dy sterck :~ Likewise: If an opponent reaches for your upper weak with their right hand, then reach around their arms with your left hand and pull them into you by their lower weak with your right hand so you throw them hard or soft. Item gryfft eyn man zo dyr myt syner rechter hant na der ouer swech so vmb gryff yme sinen arm myt der lincker hant vnd myt der rechter hant an dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn hart ader weych :~ Likewise: The same goes for the left. If the opponent reaches for your upper weak with their left hand, then reach around their left arm with your right hand and pull them into you with your left hand by the under weak, so you throw them as before. [11r] Item des gelychen das linck. gryfft eyner zo dyr myt der lincker hant na dyner ouer swech so vmb gryff yn myt der rechter hant synen lincken arm vnd myt der lincker hant dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn we vur :~ Likewise: A free play about the little weak. If an opponent grabs you by the left shoulder, then take them by the little weak with your right hand and with your left hand by the other weak, quickly shove their hand into their belly, so that you either throw them or their arm must break. Item eyn fry stuck vß der kleynner swech. gryfft dyr eyn man vff dyn rechter lincke achsell so nym yn mit dyner rechter hant mit der kleyner swech vnd myt diner lincker hant by der anderenn swech stoes yme syne hant zom buch zo so wyrffs du yn ader der arm moeß brechen :~ Likewise: In all wrestling grab the opponent with short fingers. Item in allen Ryngen gryff eynen man myt kurtzen fyngern :· Likewise: If a strong opponent has grabbed you in your middle weak, then grab around the nearest weak with your right arm and sink yourself and reach for their little weak with the other hand. Yank the left foot back, so you throw them to the ground or their arm must break. Item als dych eyn starck man gegryffen hayt yn der myttell swech so vmb gryff ym de nechste swech myt dym rechten arm vnd senck dych vnd [11v] gryff myt der anderen hant na de klyner swech zuck den lincken voyß zoruck so wyrffs du yn zo der erden ader der arm moeß brechen :~ Likewise: If you wrestle an opponent and they are stronger than you [and] they reach for you with one hand, then grab them by the upper middle weak, shove them away from you and grab them by the left lower weak with the inverted hand and set the elbow in their heart's keel, pushing and pulling with one another. Item so du myt eynem ryngen salt der starcker ist dan du myt eyner hant gryfft er na dyr so gryff yn mit der ober myttell swech stoeß yn van dyr vnd gryff yn myt der verkeyrder hant by der lincken vnder swech vnd setz ym den elbogen yn dat hertz kuyll ruck yn vnd stoeß yn myt eyn ander :~ Likewise: Wrestling from the forks. Place yourself in the fork, if the opponent reaches for an lower weak with their right hand, then hold them there with the forks and pull them into you so they must either fall or their arm must break. Item ryngen vß der Gabelen. stell dych in dy gabell gryfft eyn myt der rechter hant zo dyr na eyner vnder swech so sytz ym dar vff myt der gabelen vnd ruck yn Zo dyr so moeß er vallen ader der arm moeß brechen :~ Likewise: Also the same. If they reach for your lower weak with their left hand, hold them there with a reverse fork, pulling them into you so they must either fall or their arm must break. Item des gelychen yst auch. gryfft er dyr myt der [12r] lincker hant na der vnder swech sytz ym dar vff myt verkerder hant gabelen ruck yn zo dyr so moeß her vallen ader der arm moeß brechen :~ Likewise: Whoever can make their art measured and not forget it and holds their sword in the air, they are good against four others in conflict. Item wer macht syn konst gemessen. vnd dy vnuergessen. vnd helt syn swert yn hoyt. der yst vur ander .iij. ym streydt guett :~
13r - 16v	Anonymous Messer pieces Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Likewise: Hereafter follows the knightly art in the messer. Likewise: The 5 cuts. You shall cut freely through the face of the opponent and you shall not forget the four openings. [13r] Item hy volget nach dy ritterliche konst ym messer :~ Item dy .v. hewe solstu hewen fry dem man durch das gesycht vnd der vier bloyß solstu nyt vergeßen :~ Cut the descending cuts. Cut from the right shoulder. Cut the second from the left. Lunge forwards and cut through into the long thrust. Lay the messer onto your back and lunge forwards and cut into the bow and lay the messer again onto your back and cut again into the long thrust and double out behind and thrust forwards into the bow by both feet and cut forwards into the long thrust [missing preposition] the left side. These are the five cuts in the messer that one shall learn each correctly, if the others will be fenced correctly. den ouer hewe hew van der rechten ascheln. den ander van der linckenn. tryt vort vnd hewe durch yn den langen stych lech das messer vff den ruck vnd tryt vort vnd hewe yn bogell vnd lech das messer vydder vff den ruck vnd hewe vidder yn langen stych vnd dobellere hynder vß vnd stich by beyden voyßen vur yn bogell vnd hewe der lincken syten vur yn den langen stych. das synt dy vunff hewe ym messer dy eyn yckelicher recht leren sall der anders recht vechten wyll :~ Thus strongly. Likewise: Whatever you wish to execute strongly Fence that with the entire body. Both below and above Hit the two things strongly, that I will laud. das do starck :~ Item was du starck wyls dryben das fecht mit gantzem lybe beyde vnder vnd ouen dy zwey dynck dryff starck das wyll ych louenn :~ Likewise: Understand the four positions like this: Set the four quarters of your body in balance. Take the messer onto the right shoulder and set the left foot forward in position. Whatever one cuts or thrusts, you can break it. [13v] Item dy veyr leger vernym also. setz dyn lyff vß vyer orten yn dy wage Nym das meßer vff dy rechte schulder vnd setz den lincken voyß vur yn bossen was der man slecht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen :~ Likewise: The high left position is similar to this. Lay the messer on your left shoulder and put your right foot forwards in position. Item des glychen yst auch das linck ouer leger lege das meßer vff dy linck aschel vnd stelle den recht voyß vur yn boßenn :~ Likewise: Understand the lower right position like this: Put the left foot forward in position and lay the messer on your right leg, the point towards the face of the opponent, then look upon whatever they will execute. Item das recht vnder leger vernym also stell den lincken voyß vur yn boßen vnd lech das meßer vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht so sychstu was er dryben wyll :~ Likewise: The lower left position is similar to this. Set the pommel upon the left leg, the point towards the face of the opponent. Whatever they cut or thrust, you can break that and make good footing so that are you prepared and no one can find an opening of yours. Item des glychen yst auch das linck vnder leger setz den knauff vff das lincke beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht was er sleycht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen vnd mach gut bossenn so bystu gewapent vnd dich kan keyn man bloyß vynden :~ Likewise: Hereafter follows the four openings. Understand the four openings like this: The upper opening, on the head; the lower opening, by the front foot; the right opening, outside the hand, the fourth opening inside the hand. These are the four proper openings that every fencer shall strike, if they otherwise wish to fence correctly. [14r] Item hyr nach volget dy vyer bloyß. dy vyer bloyß vernym also dy ouer bloyß am heupt dy vnder bloyß by dem vordern voyß dy rechte bloyß vß wyck an der hant dy vyerde bloyß ym wyck an der hant. das synt dy vyer rechte bloyß dar nach eyn ycklyger fechter slayn sall der anders recht fechten wyll :~ Likewise: If you wish to move freely, then cut from one opening to the other, so that they must parry or become struck. Item wyltu frolych wandern so slach van eyner bloyß zo der andern so moyß er versetzen ader wyrt geslagen :~ Likewise: A good play from the upper right position. If the opponent strikes for your upper right opening from the right, then parry them from the bow and then strike for their outside opening. Item eyn gut stuck vß dem rechten ouerleger, sleyt eyn man dyr recht nach dyner rechten ouerbloyß so versetz ym vß dem bogell vnd dan slach ym na der vßer bloyß :~ Likewise: A play from the upper left position. If the opponent strikes-in toward you with the wrath-cut, then parry them with the long thrust and strike them through the face to the inside opening. Item eyn stuck vß dem lincken ouerleger, sleyt eyn manna dyr vß dem zorn hewe. so versetz ym myt dem langen stych vnd slach ym durch das gesycht nach ynwynicher bloyß :~ Likewise: A play from the lower right position. If the opponent thrusts the wrath thrust into you, shove them aside with the hanging-point and make one, two or three strikes to their nearest opening. [14v] Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten vnder leger, stycht der man den zorn stych zo dyr, stoyß ym abe myt hangenden ort vnd slach ym nach der nechsten bloyß eyn streych zween ader dry :~ Likewise: A play from the lower left position. If the opponent strikes at you, then parry them with the bow and cut to the nearest outside-opening, so they must flee or become struck. Item eyn stuck vß dem linck vnder leger. sleyt eyn man zo dyr so versetz ym myt dem bogell vnd slach ym nach der nechsten vsen bloyß so moyß er wychen ader wyrt geslagen :~ Likewise: A play called the alley-cut. If you see one or two stand before you, then freely cut from the right side and renew from the left, freely as well from one into the other, so they must flee or become struck. Item eyn stuck heyst der gaßen hewer sychstu eyn ader zween vur dyr staen so hew fry vß der rechter syten vnd frysch vff vß der lincken als fry van eym yn den andern so moyßen sy wychen ader verdenn geslagen :~ Likewise: A good play. When you fence with someone, should they be low, use the long thrust to the face strongly 2, 3 or 4 times and cut them to the next opening. Thus you have them how you yourself wish. Item eyn gut stuck wan du myt eym fechten sulß der nidich yst, bruch den langen stych na sym gesycht starck ij. iij ader iiij mael vnd slach ym nach der [15r] nechster bloyß so hastu yn wy du seluer wyls :~ Likewise: A play called the misplaced foot. Use it with insight if you wish to win the prize. Item eyn stuck heyst der verstell voyß den bruch myt synnen wyltu pryß gewynnen :~ Likewise: A play called the little wheel. Use wing-cuts 4 times in one play. Item eyn stuck heyst das retlyn bruch den flogell hawe iiij mayl an eym stuck :~ Likewise: A break for the unicorn. As you see that someone, who is about to use the unicorn, then use the wing-cut. Item eyn bruch vuer den eynhorn als du sychs das eyner der eyner den eynhorn brucht so bruch den flogell hew :~ Likewise: An ox play. Jab the point strongly towards the face of the opponent and cut them with the wing-cut under their right ox. Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen stoeß den ort dem man starck gegen das gesycht vnd slach yn mit dem flogell hew vnder syn rechten ockßen :~ Item a break for the same wing-cut. If you see the wing-cut [will be] used, yank the right foot behind you and cut toward their outside opening. Item eyn stuck bruch vuer den seluigen flogell hew so du sicht den flogell hew bruchen. zuck denn rechten voyß hynder dych vnd slach ym nach der vßer bloyß :~ Likewise: A play called the plow. Drive the plow from both sides and do not hesitate. Step and work together, swerving from one opening to the other. Item eyn stuck ym ployg. fuer den plogg van bey= [15v] den syten vnd suem dych nyt. myt scheyd schryden vnd arbeyde ym swynde van eyner bloeß zo der andern :~ Likewise: A play called the Bröße withdrawal. Bind the messer on the right side and yank it out with an inverted hand and cut to the outside opening. Item eyn stuck heyst der brozße vß zuch bint das meßer vff dy rechte syt vnd zuch vß myt verkerter hant vnd hew na der vßer bloeß :~ Likewise: When a person shall draw from the sheath. Let the opponent draw first before you do. Then if they cut the wrath-cut, then yank towards their hand, following behind them with the golden cut. Item wy eyn man van scheiden zyn sall. layß den man eerst vß zehen dan du. hewet er den zorn hew zo zuck vß ym nach der hant volge ym nach mit dem gulden hew :~ Likewise: A play from the oxen. Execute the oxen strongly and cut 2 strikes swerving one after the other into the opponent from the wing. Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen den ocksen ganck starck vnd slach zo ym vß dem flogel .ij. streych swynd na en nander :~ Likewise: Ward whatever the plow sows. Cut swerving to the outside according to the scalper with the long edge, so that you knock them out of the plow. If you can't get yourself to the break, don't go so high with your head. Item wert was dry ployg eernt. slach swyn[d] vßer myt der langen snyden nach dem schedeler. so dryffs du yn vß dem ployg. zo dem broch layß dyr nyt zo gang mit dem kopf nyt zo hoyg :~ Item. If you wish to examine the art, Go left and right with cutting, etc. [16r] Item wyltu konst schauwen sych linck geen vnd recht myt hewenn :~ Likewise: A play called the tringle. Step upon their right side with your right foot and cut in at an angle with the ox. Step a great step swiftly behind them with the left foot, so you cut them behind upon the head. Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangell. schryt myt dem rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd ger ym yn myt dem ocksen schryt behende myt dem lincken voyß eyn groyßen schryt hynder yn so slechs du yn hynder vff den koff :~ Likewise: A break for the triangle. If you see that someone will use the triangle, then yank your right foot behind you and cut strongly from the opponent to the nearest opening, there is no shame for you. Item eyn broch vuer den dryangell. so du suchs das eyner den dryangell bruchen wyll. so zuck den rechten voyß hynder dich vnd hew dich starck van dem man das yst dyr keyn schande nach der nechster bloeß :~ Likewise: If you seek the doubling above, then cede position, that I will laud. If you wish to reckon yourself and artfully break the four openings, then double above. Item so du suchs doppeleren oben, so tryt abe das wyll ych lobenn wyltu dych rechen vnd dy veyr bloeß kunstelich brechen so doppelere oben :~ Likewise: When you will rush and have no weapon. If the opponent strikes a wrath-cut, then fall around their arm with your left hand, so that you can break their arm and take the messer from them. Item wan du vuerlauffen wurß vnd hayst keyn gewere. schleyt eyner eyn zorn hew so val myt dyner [16v] lincker hant ym vmb den arm so machstu ym den arm brechen vnd nymst ym das meßer :~ Likewise: If someone thrusts at you, then fall upon them there by enveloping and rapidly wind-up so that you break their arm and take the messer from them. Item stycht eyner zo dyr so val ym dar vff mit der gaffelen vnd wyndt fluck[s] vff so brychstu ym den arm vnd nymst ym das meßer :~
16v - 17r	Anonymous dagger pieces Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Likewise: A free play of the short dagger. If an opponent thrusts at you with the rising wrath-thrust, then fall upon that with the fork. Pull them into you without restriction so their dagger or arm must break. [16v] Item eyn fry stuck ym kortzen degen. stycht eyn man zo dyr mit dem vnder zorn stych so val ym dar vff mit der gaffelen. ruck yn fry zo dyr so moyß der degen ader arm brechenn :~ Likewise: Again a play from the lower thrust. Connect with the outside of the opponent's hand by the point. Set the point against their chest and grab them by the hip with your left hand so they must stab themselves. Item aber eyn stuck vß dem vnder stych dryff ym mit vßer hant byde ort setz ym den ort gegen dy brost vnd gryff yn mit der lincker hant an das hefft so moyß er sych seluer stechenn :~ Likewise: If the opponent thrusts the descending wrath thrust at you, then grab them by the little weak with the left hand inverted so that you break their arm or the dagger must fall. Item stycht eyner den ouer zorn stych zo dyr so gryff mit der lincker hant verkeret. by der kleyner swecht [17r] so brychstu ym den arm ader der degen moyß fallen :·:·: Likewise: A good play for a throwing spear. If an opponent thrusts at you, then go beneath them with a hanging point and grab him with the left hand behind the ball of cord and strike at their hand with the messer so that you take their spear. Item eyn gut stuck ouer eynen wyrfspeyß. stycht eyn man zo dyr so vnderganck ym myt hangenden ort vnd gryff ym myt der lincker hant hynder den kneuell vnd slach ym mit dem messer na der hant. so nymstu ym den speyß :~
20r	Abecedarium Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann [Alphabet] [20r] a a b c d e f g h h i k k l l m m n o o p p q r r r s s s s t t v v x y y y z z Z Z W α abccd effghyklmnopqrrssstŭvxyz Z
20v	Anonymous spear pieces Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Likewise: Hereafter follows a play of the swine-spear. Stand in position and turn your little finger against the pommel and the staff toward the opponent. If they strike or thrust at you with the swine-spear or halberd, then you can break them. [20v] Item hy na volget eyn stuck ym swynspeyß. Stant yn bossen vnd kere den kleynnen fynger gegen den kneyffell vnd de stang gegen den man sleyt er ader stycht zo dyr mit dem swynspeyß ader helbartten. so kanstu es yme brechen :~ Likewise: If the opponent strikes, then break it with the staff in the outer weak. Lunge into them with the battle, then you stab and strike them. Item so er sleyt so brych ym myt der stangen yn de vßer swecht tryt zo ym myt dem kampff so stychstu yn vnd sleys yn :~ Likewise: if the opponent thrusts at you, then break it toward the outer weak and strike for their forward hand, then deliver deceitful exchanges in the battle so that you have stabbed and struck the best you can. Item stycht er zo dyr so brych es ym na der vßer swech vnd slach ym nach der foder hant so buyt ym den kampff so hastu stych vnd streych zom besten :~
21v - 22r	Anonymous staff pieces Images Draft Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Likewise: The 4 bind ups in the staff At first, bind up the opponent at the head with the right hand and after that do it again at their head with the left hand and with a step in. Strike towards their left leg with a step in and after that strike for their right leg with the left hand with a step in. Thus the 4 bind ups are correct. [21v] Item dy iiij anbynd ym stangen. Bynt ym zo eyrst oben an na dem kopf myt der rechter hant. vnd dar na myt eyme zo tryt myt der lincker hant weder zom koff. slach ym na dem lincken beynn myt eym zo tryt. vnd dar na slach ym na dem rechten beyn myt der lincker hant myt eynem zo tryt. so synt dy iiij anbynd gerecht :~ Likewise: A play from the upper right bind up. Act as if you will bind up the opponent on the right and bind up the opponent on the left so that you strike their staff up and step into the battle. Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten oberen anbyndunck. do wy du ym wylt recht anbynden vnd bynd ym lincks an so sleystu ym dy stangh vff vnd tryt ym zo ym kampfe ~ Likewise: A good play of the other upper bind up. Act as if you will bind up the opponent on the left and bind up the opponent on the right so that you strike their staff up and then fall into the battle. Item gut stuck ym anderen oberen anbyndunck. do a[l]s wuls du ym lincks anbynden vnd bynt ym rechs an so sleys du ym dy stangh vff vnd dan vall yme zo ym kampf :~ Likewise: After a play in the right lower bind up. Act as if you will bind up the opponent on the right and bind up the opponent onthe left and thrust toward their lower opening. Item noch eyn stuck ym rechten vnder anbyndunck. [22r] do as wuls du ym recht anbynden vnd bynt ym lincks an vnd stoeß ym na der vnder bloeß :~ If you have wits, Then strike suddenly for the opponent's hand. This play is not apparent to many. Bystu bedanck So slach eyme swynde na der hant. Das stuck ist eyme icklichem neyt bekant :~
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Additional Resources

The following is a list of publications containing scans, transcriptions, and translations relevant to this article, as well as published peer-reviewed research.

• Bauer, Matthias Johannes (2009). Langes Schwert und Schweinespieß. Die anonyme Fechthandschrift aus den verschütteten Beständen des Historischen Archivs der Stadt Köln. Graz: Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt. ISBN 978-3-201-01920-0.
• Bauer, Matthias Johannes (2017). "Von Einhorn, Ochs' und Rehlein. Sondersprachliches im Kölner Fechtbuch." Die Kunst des Fechtens: 251-266. Ed. by Matthias Johannes Bauer; Elisabeth Vavra. Heidelberg: Universitätsverlag Winter GmbH. ISBN 978-3-8253-6699-5.
• Farrell, Keith (2015). "The Kölner Fechtbuch: Context and Comparison." Acta Periodica Duellatorum 3(1): 203–236. doi:10.36950/apd-2015-007.

Copyright and License Summary

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Images	Historisches Archiv	Historisches Archiv
Translation	Christian Trosclair	Wiktenauer
Transcription	Dieter Bachmann	Index:Kölner Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150)