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Old 21st December 2014, 02:42 PM   #4
Matchlock
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
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Hi Czernak/Jean-Luc,


Although not an armor expert myself, I can fully testify that this an original Nuremberg mark.
It is important, though, to put it perfectly clear that this is NOT an armorer's workshop mark but the PROOF MARK of the City Council of Nürnberg - struck on thorough inspection of an item, regardless of its material or definition, which was manufactured by a Nürnberg artisan or workshop of craftsmanship - as an official CITY PROOF MARK, and to guarantee the high standard of quality of the respective object.
Struck with that mark, the item was officially sold by the City of Nürnberg to other cities, their arsenals or whatever local instituion of merchandise. Nürnberg made and proofed products sold the best, they fetched the highest prices.

There was a contemporary proverb:
Nürnberger Tand geht in alle Land - Nuremberg goods were highly sought after and exported to literally everwhere, including such far-off countries as India and China, since at least the 14th century, and by large trade ships.

Attached find a few instances of the Nürnberg proof mark on firearms and a combined powder flask and cartridge holder; the deeply struck marks are those of the makers.


Best,
Michael
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Last edited by Matchlock; 21st December 2014 at 05:37 PM.
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