[Jim McDougall]

Very well observed guys!!! I saw the letters but did not associate them with GENOA, which would make perfect sense. Many of the Styrian blades from various centers favored Italian markings, with the 'sickle' marks (the dentated eyelash arcs) most typically seen. Often the word GENOA appeared between these arcs, though some had the mysterious 'acrostic' (?) FRINGIA in its place.

While the three dot configuration typically was at either end of each arc, these were often placed at various other locations, with other marks or in varying configurations. Some references have suggested these symbolize grapes (?) but I think it more likely to represent the Holy Trinity, much as the cross was often use along with names and phrases in western swords.

The triple dot symbol is as noted often seen on blades in India as in various Asian and Eastern spheres, again typically regarded as having to do with the 'Trimurti' or trinity in other religious contexts as well.

These kinds of marks in the case of the 'dots' on such weapons seem to appear in strategic locations on the blade, as if to auspiciously augment or bolster that spot. In other cases, the three dots re: trinity may be applied to emphasize or 'bless' a phrase, motto or name in such manner. There are many possibilities and variations of course, and these notes are simply speculations.

Genoa was one of the key export points of North Italian blade making centers, and it is believed this was perhaps the reason for such emphatic recognition of Genoa on Italian blades, often in general. As such, the centers in Styria and other East European supply entrepots for blades often copied these markings, and in this case, may have used local script (as suggested by Wayne) to approximate the Genoan moniker. As seen in the plate of markings sometimes it can be misspelled or awkwardly reproduced as in the example where it is hard to read and presuming this to be Genoa meant.


Wayne, those dotted circles as seen on this Indian sword are most commonly seen in Northern India, Afghanistan and into many Central Asian regions. They may be regarded in this character as perhaps astral, with the sun represented, as certain Rajput clans were represented by sun, moon etc.