Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Mark on Short Knife With S-Quillon Guard

Ian · 11th May 2015, 10:27 PM

Dana:

I hope that we have not focused too much on a possible Russian origin for this emblem. The double-headed eagle is a much-used insignia, and Wikepedia notes the following: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-headed_eagle

The double-headed eagle is a common symbol in heraldry and vexillology. It is most commonly associated with the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Serbian Empire, the Russian Empire and their successor states. In Byzantine heraldry, the heads represent the Emperor having authority over both secular and religious matters, Byzantine emperors were regarded as Christ's viceregent on Earth. It also signified the dominance of the Byzantine Emperors over both East and West. In the Holy Roman Empire's heraldry, it represented the church and the state. Several Eastern European nations adopted it from the Byzantines and continue to use it as their national symbol to this day.

There are many options to explore. An 18th C origin seems reasonable to me based on the appearance of the knife and scabbard.

Ian.

11th May 2015, 10:27 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,039	Dana: I hope that we have not focused too much on a possible Russian origin for this emblem. The double-headed eagle is a much-used insignia, and Wikepedia notes the following: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-headed_eagle The double-headed eagle is a common symbol in heraldry and vexillology. It is most commonly associated with the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Serbian Empire, the Russian Empire and their successor states. In Byzantine heraldry, the heads represent the Emperor having authority over both secular and religious matters, Byzantine emperors were regarded as Christ's viceregent on Earth. It also signified the dominance of the Byzantine Emperors over both East and West. In the Holy Roman Empire's heraldry, it represented the church and the state. Several Eastern European nations adopted it from the Byzantines and continue to use it as their national symbol to this day. There are many options to explore. An 18th C origin seems reasonable to me based on the appearance of the knife and scabbard. Ian.