Walloon

Jim McDougall · 5th June 2016, 10:01 PM

Very nice Walloon! and I agree as Ulfberth has well observed, the wire has been replaced, but nicely done. The 'Turks heads' at either end were standard as he notes, but seem not often replaced in restorations of grips.

The 1444 in the fuller is one of numerous combinations using the 'magic numbers '1' and '4' which were commonly used along with the 'Passau' wolf mark, thought to imbue the blades talismanically. In many cases over years, these numbers were erroneously seen as dates.

I have always thought these pierced shells were most attractive, and much like those characteristic on Pappenheimer's.

ulfberth · 6th June 2016, 07:38 AM

Hi Jim,

nice to read you again , as you well explained the 1444 is a talismanic number that had a meaning.
I read suggestions they might be biblical chapters and numbers, or other secret codes.
In any case this number is not a date, the reason behind the date theory is often inspired by economical reasons.
And yes most of these type of sword are very easy to use and have perfect balance for what they were intended for foot soldiers or horseback fighting.

Kind regards

Ufberth

5th June 2016, 10:01 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Very nice Walloon! and I agree as Ulfberth has well observed, the wire has been replaced, but nicely done. The 'Turks heads' at either end were standard as he notes, but seem not often replaced in restorations of grips. The 1444 in the fuller is one of numerous combinations using the 'magic numbers '1' and '4' which were commonly used along with the 'Passau' wolf mark, thought to imbue the blades talismanically. In many cases over years, these numbers were erroneously seen as dates. I have always thought these pierced shells were most attractive, and much like those characteristic on Pappenheimer's.

6th June 2016, 07:38 AM	#2
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 426	Hi Jim, nice to read you again , as you well explained the 1444 is a talismanic number that had a meaning. I read suggestions they might be biblical chapters and numbers, or other secret codes. In any case this number is not a date, the reason behind the date theory is often inspired by economical reasons. And yes most of these type of sword are very easy to use and have perfect balance for what they were intended for foot soldiers or horseback fighting. Kind regards Ufberth