Quote:
|
Originally Posted by fernando
Perhaps the only halberd typology claimed to be exclusive of one only region (Switzerland) is the "Sempach", due to its particular shape. It was so named after the battle of Sempach (1386). This early style resurged in the late XVI century and again in the late XVII century by commission to Lamprecht Koller, although specialists (George A. Snook) remind us that this 'late' version only resembles the original, contrary to general belief.
I am not sure where precisely my example falls, on what touches a date, even when i compare its maker's mark with a set quoted to be from the mid XV century.
.
|
Fantastic bit of history and detail Fernando!!! For a history nut like me these tidbits are pure treasure, and the kind of key information I look for in footnotes etc. Often I have browsed through references just reading these kinds of data. Thank you for adding this.
In looking at these markings, they seem very much the 'mullet' type charges seen in heraldry, and on a number of sword blades these are among groupings of marks termed 'cogwheels' (Mann, 1962, Wallace Coll. ).
It is interesting that in cases, the markings from polearms such as halberds cross into the realm of sword blades, and I wonder if these kinds of marks sometimes occur in groupings as collective stamps placed by varied workers or vendors. It seems these blades on polearms were made by blacksmiths rather than swordsmiths (though the two often interceded) but possibly armourers, who were more arms 'brokers and others might account for marks appearing in groups.
Not necessarily relevant in this case I guess, but just curious.