Is this blade marking a 'Passau Wolf' (german sword late 16th to early 17th century)?

Jean-Marc S. · 27th April 2012, 10:46 PM

Thanks Jim and Swordfish for your helpful comments.

jm

Dmitry · 28th April 2012, 01:08 AM

Your mark looks to me like it could be Passau. Or made to resemble Passau.

Jim McDougall · 28th April 2012, 05:02 AM

You're quite welcome Jean-Marc! Looks like an extremely nice sword too, and most interesting interpretation of these markings. These kinds of variations are seen in numbers of other markings as well such as the 'anchor'; 'sickle marks'; and cross and orb which are some of the most familiar types.

The chart Dmitry has posted is from Eduard Wagner's "Cut & Thrust Weapons" (Prague, 1967) and well illustrates my point about the absence of linear developmental chronology with these markings, yet shows some of the variations. I believe these 'dated' examples are drawn from examples the author observed and the presumed period of the weapons he saw them on, as often the case in catalogued items. There are no regional classifications nor associated makers noted and essentially these are random examples of this commonly and widely duplicated image.

Jean-Marc S. · 28th April 2012, 07:46 PM

Thank you all for the comments.

On the blade of this sword, there is a period marking in old german : 'You come to me', and on the reverse blade: 'then I cut you'. There is also a cross and orb marking, which shape is 16th century.

Interestingly, there are two strange deeper linear (and parallel) marks on the blade, perhaps 'two kills' ...

jm

28th April 2012, 01:08 AM	#2
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Your mark looks to me like it could be Passau. Or made to resemble Passau. Attached Images

27th April 2012, 10:46 PM	#1
Jean-Marc S. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France Posts: 104	Thanks Jim and Swordfish for your helpful comments. jm

28th April 2012, 05:02 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,662	You're quite welcome Jean-Marc! Looks like an extremely nice sword too, and most interesting interpretation of these markings. These kinds of variations are seen in numbers of other markings as well such as the 'anchor'; 'sickle marks'; and cross and orb which are some of the most familiar types. The chart Dmitry has posted is from Eduard Wagner's "Cut & Thrust Weapons" (Prague, 1967) and well illustrates my point about the absence of linear developmental chronology with these markings, yet shows some of the variations. I believe these 'dated' examples are drawn from examples the author observed and the presumed period of the weapons he saw them on, as often the case in catalogued items. There are no regional classifications nor associated makers noted and essentially these are random examples of this commonly and widely duplicated image.

28th April 2012, 07:46 PM	#4
Jean-Marc S. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France Posts: 104	Thank you all for the comments. On the blade of this sword, there is a period marking in old german : 'You come to me', and on the reverse blade: 'then I cut you'. There is also a cross and orb marking, which shape is 16th century. Interestingly, there are two strange deeper linear (and parallel) marks on the blade, perhaps 'two kills' ... jm