[QUOTE=Jim McDougall]Thank you Ulfberth for the note on the Spanish sword, that is surely a lot earlier than I thought!!!
Hi Jim,
I did not expect to see an etched blade so soon in history either but I think only a few high skilled artist at this period were able to do it and as with all hand craftsmanship they would keep the method the secret of the family.
In the 16th century the etching was sure more wide spread, while etched blades of this period are extremely rare we do see more etched helmets and other armor in this period.
In the picture is a 17th C Pappenheimer rapier that has an etched crest on the ricasso used as a makers mark. Its quite uncommon but there are more rapiers like that out there. The ones I saw were all high quality rapiers no arming swords so far ( in the 16th and 17th C )
kind regards
Ulfberth
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