European sword from XVII or XVIII c. - <?>

Jim McDougall · 1st October 2009, 03:20 AM

Welcome back Buendia!! Excellent observations and comments on these trade markings and names, a subject that has been keenly discussed around here often through the years, and you clearly have a sound understanding on the topic.

The 'eyelashes' or more commonly known as 'sickle' markings, are indeed well known in native environments, the result of profound importations of trade blades and in some cases captured blades. The original use of these markings began in European blademaking centers, generally held to have been in Northern Italy, but were soon copied by other makers as a suggestion of quality. It is believed that the original application may have been associated with local guilds, but the deeper symbolism from which derived is a matter of much more research.

The meanings of these markings as used by native bladesmiths in the Caucusus (the term 'gurda' describing the blades they appear on); and presumably in Afghanistan (on paluoar blades); the Sudan (on some kaskara blades) and wherever else they were used simply suggested quality or power.

The Andrea Ferara term as noted probably does derive in some degree from the allusions to the famed Belluno smith, but his actual existence remains questionable, and the name seems more likely a term, Andrea (Andrew= faithful, trusty, sound

, and Ferara= iron). Whatever the case, the Solingen smiths used the marking in particular for the Grosse Schotten (Scottish blades). They are known on a number of English and others as well, but most were on Scottish baskethilts.

Sahagun, is as you note, another Solingen 'brand' and seems to occur more on Continental swords, some suggestions more to the low countries, and does recall the famed Spanish swordmakers, along with several other names, marks and inscriptions. As noted the blades in Graz certainly would have used much the same markings in cases.

The meanings and origins of these blade markings has been a fascination of mine as well for many years, and our thread on early makers trademarks carries many great entries from the members here in discussions on them. I hope it will continue, and ever be an increasing cache of information for collectors and researchers as it is added to and viewed.

Great to have you back Buendia!!! and thank you for 'recharging the batteries 'on this great topic!!!

All best regards,
Jim

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1st October 2009, 03:20 AM	#19
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Welcome back Buendia!! Excellent observations and comments on these trade markings and names, a subject that has been keenly discussed around here often through the years, and you clearly have a sound understanding on the topic. The 'eyelashes' or more commonly known as 'sickle' markings, are indeed well known in native environments, the result of profound importations of trade blades and in some cases captured blades. The original use of these markings began in European blademaking centers, generally held to have been in Northern Italy, but were soon copied by other makers as a suggestion of quality. It is believed that the original application may have been associated with local guilds, but the deeper symbolism from which derived is a matter of much more research. The meanings of these markings as used by native bladesmiths in the Caucusus (the term 'gurda' describing the blades they appear on); and presumably in Afghanistan (on paluoar blades); the Sudan (on some kaskara blades) and wherever else they were used simply suggested quality or power. The Andrea Ferara term as noted probably does derive in some degree from the allusions to the famed Belluno smith, but his actual existence remains questionable, and the name seems more likely a term, Andrea (Andrew= faithful, trusty, sound , and Ferara= iron). Whatever the case, the Solingen smiths used the marking in particular for the Grosse Schotten (Scottish blades). They are known on a number of English and others as well, but most were on Scottish baskethilts. Sahagun, is as you note, another Solingen 'brand' and seems to occur more on Continental swords, some suggestions more to the low countries, and does recall the famed Spanish swordmakers, along with several other names, marks and inscriptions. As noted the blades in Graz certainly would have used much the same markings in cases. The meanings and origins of these blade markings has been a fascination of mine as well for many years, and our thread on early makers trademarks carries many great entries from the members here in discussions on them. I hope it will continue, and ever be an increasing cache of information for collectors and researchers as it is added to and viewed. Great to have you back Buendia!!! and thank you for 'recharging the batteries 'on this great topic!!! All best regards, Jim