Good call on checking the Wallace reference Dirk, and the scan shows how profusely comprehensive this book is on markings. The star over crescent is most interesting and described as a cutlers mark on the blade. What is different between this paired mark is primarly that on Carl's sword, the crescent appears on one side of the pommel, while the star, which is six pointed rather than five, is on the opposing side of the pommel.
The text suggests with question mark, that the knife is German c. 1600.
Going further through Wallace Collection (Laking, 1962), I found that the closest think to the blade mark here would be on a German hand and a half sword (A488) dating c. 1600. It should be noted that these marks on this sword were paired rather than single. Laking notes that these type marks, which occur in multiples as well as singly on blades, are most often associated with Italian blades, and are often referred to as 'twig marks'.
This type marking seems a bit different, positioned vertically and with three point crown type profile.
The blade on this seems consistant with another hand and a half type shown as c. 1550 Italian (A550) with the central raised median and hexagonal cross section. In going through "Armi Bianchi Italiene" (Boccia & Coelho, 1975) I found no exact parallels to this sword in particular, however the crab claw guard and general shape seems consistant with the basic version of more developed hilts in Italian swords of the period. I would consider that by 'arming sword' it is meant to be a simpler 'fighting' sword and as such, not of as much attention in general weapons studies examining the finer form hilts.
It should be noted as well that Germany and Italy were in considerable contact as well as competition in arms and armour in these times, and there are many close parallels as well as expected diffusion of style and even markings. It would difficult to determine a distinct makers work by these obscure markings today as they were widely varied in use, and pertinant at the time and location probably in terms of guild compliance and work orders etc. Like most markings, these became widely copied on trade blades and served as tacit suggestions of quality that were even copied by native imitators in many colonial regions.
The star and crescent on the pommel of this sword suggest also some type of makers contract or compliance stamp and are seen on blades in the expected variation in North Italy from 16th into 17th century.
Best regards,
Jim
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