Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - A composite 17 th century sword for comment.

Jim McDougall · 3rd February 2016, 07:18 PM

Very true Jasper!! MANY strange things about weapons were said in the 19th century as actual study and scholarship became measures in the observation of the many old weapons in many holdings. These very 'chestnuts' are often almost entertaining as we continue to advance in our understanding of the actual history of these weapon forms.

Good observations Ibrahiim on the choice of spellings, which of course in many cases can direct to possible region for origin of the weapon, or in cases of course the literacy or linguistics of the engraver.

I had thought that perhaps the use of SALINGEN might have been suggestive of earlier use of the spelling, much as with words which develop in connotation or spelling over time. The spelling SOHLINGEN is also known but does not seem as commonly present in inscriptions on blades, at least in my experience.
However, it seems that it would be difficult to ascribe a definite period or end of use for particular spellings which are likely to be incidental cases attributed to the engraver alone, just as you suggest concerning the use of Latin. These aspects are so highly subjective though that they are hard to pursue with confidence.

Still, it is that kind of thinking that affords us so many opportunities in learning and understanding more on the history of these weapons.

3rd February 2016, 07:18 PM	#34
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Very true Jasper!! MANY strange things about weapons were said in the 19th century as actual study and scholarship became measures in the observation of the many old weapons in many holdings. These very 'chestnuts' are often almost entertaining as we continue to advance in our understanding of the actual history of these weapon forms. Good observations Ibrahiim on the choice of spellings, which of course in many cases can direct to possible region for origin of the weapon, or in cases of course the literacy or linguistics of the engraver. I had thought that perhaps the use of SALINGEN might have been suggestive of earlier use of the spelling, much as with words which develop in connotation or spelling over time. The spelling SOHLINGEN is also known but does not seem as commonly present in inscriptions on blades, at least in my experience. However, it seems that it would be difficult to ascribe a definite period or end of use for particular spellings which are likely to be incidental cases attributed to the engraver alone, just as you suggest concerning the use of Latin. These aspects are so highly subjective though that they are hard to pursue with confidence. Still, it is that kind of thinking that affords us so many opportunities in learning and understanding more on the history of these weapons.