Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

Jim McDougall · 30th January 2019, 10:38 PM

Excellent example Fernando, and Boccia & Coelho (1975) is an outstanding reference with comprehensive illustrations of these many known markings. As noted, there really are no details or insights into the symbolism imbued in any of them (or few) and these are realized as occurring on blades with period or regional attribution noted but not necessarily particular maker.

This suggests of course that these markings, in which configurations are often multiply used or in varying numbers ,are most likely renderings of certain devices or imbuements. We know that the 'Genoan' sickle (dentated arcs) marks were apparently some type of mark used in Genoa, or attributed to that city as a departure port for blades. The mark actually occurs on blades from other centers as well.

This I think was the reason the mark became so widely copied, as it noted 'quality' in these blades so widely traded, and just as with Toledo as well as Solingen/Passau that connotation prevailed.

30th January 2019, 10:38 PM	#31
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,382	Excellent example Fernando, and Boccia & Coelho (1975) is an outstanding reference with comprehensive illustrations of these many known markings. As noted, there really are no details or insights into the symbolism imbued in any of them (or few) and these are realized as occurring on blades with period or regional attribution noted but not necessarily particular maker. This suggests of course that these markings, in which configurations are often multiply used or in varying numbers ,are most likely renderings of certain devices or imbuements. We know that the 'Genoan' sickle (dentated arcs) marks were apparently some type of mark used in Genoa, or attributed to that city as a departure port for blades. The mark actually occurs on blades from other centers as well. This I think was the reason the mark became so widely copied, as it noted 'quality' in these blades so widely traded, and just as with Toledo as well as Solingen/Passau that connotation prevailed.