Aanother sword inlaid with gold

Cesare · 28th November 2010, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

In the detail I see the gold inlay is twisted gold wire.

I note this as a point of interest only, as there have been discussions about these methods and certain aspects pointing to certain time frames.
It may or may not offer directions and there are various methods of inlay, some twisted, something that I have seen on many SEA weapons, I guess more so because that is my main area of interest, some appear only to be finely chiseled with copper, silver or gold leaf is hammered in to the cut outs to fill them, others are done over deep cross hatched Koftgari type applications.

Just a point of interest.

Gav

Hello Gav
Here is a macro photo of the inlay. Seems to be made with twisted wire
I'll check as soon as possible with a digital microscope

Cesare

Jim McDougall · 29th November 2010, 03:58 AM

Hi Thilo,
Actually ichthys is the Greek word for fish, which is believed to be an acrostic for the phrase 'Jesus Christ Gods Son Savior', and why it was chosen as a secret symbol used by Christians in early Rome.
While it is unclear if it was used during medieval times widely, it is known that the practice of inlaying symbols, phrases and markings did revive in about the 13th century. Since it is known certain other early Christian symbols were used in varying cases as symbols or elements of them, it does seen plausible that this could be the case here.

Obviously, speculating on such things is often seen by many as either specious or 'fanciful', as I have been told on occasion. I feel it is worthwhile to openly observe and discuss such markings to gain as much knowledge as we can regarding the possible meanings.

Very good suggestion on the 'omega' at the base of the lines from the circle, which may of course be viewed symbolically as ecumenical, much as in the case of the orb and cross (globus cruciger). In this case it seems odd to be bisected, but there again, what would that possibly denote?

As the last letter of the Greek alphabet, the omega is often is perceived as 'the end'.

The V shape as the base of the cross is the forked shape seen on the arms of the crux fourchette, an equal armed cross as the Greek cross, and I believe used in medieval times.

Thank you for being willing to offer these well placed suggestions regarding the markings, and for adding the interesting explanation on the inlay technology.

All the best,
Jim

29th November 2010, 03:58 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Hi Thilo, Actually ichthys is the Greek word for fish, which is believed to be an acrostic for the phrase 'Jesus Christ Gods Son Savior', and why it was chosen as a secret symbol used by Christians in early Rome. While it is unclear if it was used during medieval times widely, it is known that the practice of inlaying symbols, phrases and markings did revive in about the 13th century. Since it is known certain other early Christian symbols were used in varying cases as symbols or elements of them, it does seen plausible that this could be the case here. Obviously, speculating on such things is often seen by many as either specious or 'fanciful', as I have been told on occasion. I feel it is worthwhile to openly observe and discuss such markings to gain as much knowledge as we can regarding the possible meanings. Very good suggestion on the 'omega' at the base of the lines from the circle, which may of course be viewed symbolically as ecumenical, much as in the case of the orb and cross (globus cruciger). In this case it seems odd to be bisected, but there again, what would that possibly denote? As the last letter of the Greek alphabet, the omega is often is perceived as 'the end'. The V shape as the base of the cross is the forked shape seen on the arms of the crux fourchette, an equal armed cross as the Greek cross, and I believe used in medieval times. Thank you for being willing to offer these well placed suggestions regarding the markings, and for adding the interesting explanation on the inlay technology. All the best, Jim