left hand sword

Jim McDougall · 17th October 2008, 06:51 PM

Thank you Clockwork!!! I worked on finding the info for most of the day yesterday, and had great fun doing it! Its great when researching an item with such great potential, and intriguing elements. To me this is what antique weapons are all about....and they do indeed have stories to tell.

In writing all of the other material, I forgot to address that makers cartouche. In going through the resources I have, the closest I could find
was a similar marking, loosely resembling a cursive letter 'f', which was on a rapier of N.Italy c.1590 ("Wallace Collection Catalogs", op.cit. item A555). It is noted that the mark resembled the crozier head arms of the city of Basel. (crozier= the processional staff in Catholic regalia which represents the shepherds crook).

I think this suggests early 17th century period is quite possible for this piece, as that cartouche seem quite authentic to me in its placement. I have not yet checked the A.V.B.Norman reference for the prismatic pommel form. At this point it seems this piece may be early, most probably reworked and with more contemporary decorative (and talismanic) motif applied to the blade.
As noted the script appears quite incongruent with the word Solingen split on two lines, and as far as I know most authentic Solingen inscriptions use the Latin Me Fecit Solingen, or in some cases 'en' Solingen, not 'in' Solingen.

Possibly an earlier piece later 'embellished' ?

All best regards,
Jim

clockwork · 17th October 2008, 07:11 PM

Thanks for all the great work Jim I plan on heading back to Budapest in a month back to the dealer that I purchased it from and will see if I can pump him for any more information on the blade. I was wondering if you have any idea what this marking means?

Jim McDougall · 17th October 2008, 08:14 PM

I cant really make that out , its a bit dark, and partially obscured by several pitted spots. My guess would be it seems like a flourish of some kind rather than a distinct symbolic image, but that only adds to the anomaly of the somewhat eclectic markings overall.
I look forward to hearing more on what the dealer has to say. In reviewing the makers cartouche I think that while the example I noted has similarity, it is not the same, so best to consider for period reference.

Please keep us posted OK?

All the best,
Jim

clockwork · 17th October 2008, 08:20 PM

Sure thing. I might post a few other pieces I have in the future also, but they are not as nice as this one.

17th October 2008, 06:51 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,453	Thank you Clockwork!!! I worked on finding the info for most of the day yesterday, and had great fun doing it! Its great when researching an item with such great potential, and intriguing elements. To me this is what antique weapons are all about....and they do indeed have stories to tell. In writing all of the other material, I forgot to address that makers cartouche. In going through the resources I have, the closest I could find was a similar marking, loosely resembling a cursive letter 'f', which was on a rapier of N.Italy c.1590 ("Wallace Collection Catalogs", op.cit. item A555). It is noted that the mark resembled the crozier head arms of the city of Basel. (crozier= the processional staff in Catholic regalia which represents the shepherds crook). I think this suggests early 17th century period is quite possible for this piece, as that cartouche seem quite authentic to me in its placement. I have not yet checked the A.V.B.Norman reference for the prismatic pommel form. At this point it seems this piece may be early, most probably reworked and with more contemporary decorative (and talismanic) motif applied to the blade. As noted the script appears quite incongruent with the word Solingen split on two lines, and as far as I know most authentic Solingen inscriptions use the Latin Me Fecit Solingen, or in some cases 'en' Solingen, not 'in' Solingen. Possibly an earlier piece later 'embellished' ? All best regards, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 17th October 2008 at 08:15 PM.

17th October 2008, 07:11 PM	#2
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 96	Thanks for all the great work Jim I plan on heading back to Budapest in a month back to the dealer that I purchased it from and will see if I can pump him for any more information on the blade. I was wondering if you have any idea what this marking means? Attached Images

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17th October 2008, 08:14 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,453	I cant really make that out , its a bit dark, and partially obscured by several pitted spots. My guess would be it seems like a flourish of some kind rather than a distinct symbolic image, but that only adds to the anomaly of the somewhat eclectic markings overall. I look forward to hearing more on what the dealer has to say. In reviewing the makers cartouche I think that while the example I noted has similarity, it is not the same, so best to consider for period reference. Please keep us posted OK? All the best, Jim

17th October 2008, 08:20 PM	#4
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 96	Sure thing. I might post a few other pieces I have in the future also, but they are not as nice as this one.