Blade marks on Tulwar sword

Jim McDougall · 11th October 2019, 02:51 AM

Thank you for moving the pics of this marking group here Stu. In the discussion on ethnographic, we are trying to determine whether this blade is European, or if an Indian made blade with copied European marks.

These 'cogwheel' marks seem well represented in Italian blades, and often occur with the well known 'sickle' marks as well as with varied other deices and configurations. In this example of Stu's closer examination reveals that gold metal inlay (latten) is in the markings. This in my view would suggest German interpretation of the Italian marks.

Hoping that Jasper, Udo and Ulfberth might recognize the roundel (with the dentation often seen on Italian devices) and 'cogwheels' from the many swords they have collectively handled. In Wallace Coll. (Mann, 1962) the only reference on the mark is on late 16th c Swiss dagger. The roundel may be remnants of a 'man in the moon' as seen on some German early 16th c. blades.

Can you guys help?

11th October 2019, 02:51 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Thank you for moving the pics of this marking group here Stu. In the discussion on ethnographic, we are trying to determine whether this blade is European, or if an Indian made blade with copied European marks. These 'cogwheel' marks seem well represented in Italian blades, and often occur with the well known 'sickle' marks as well as with varied other deices and configurations. In this example of Stu's closer examination reveals that gold metal inlay (latten) is in the markings. This in my view would suggest German interpretation of the Italian marks. Hoping that Jasper, Udo and Ulfberth might recognize the roundel (with the dentation often seen on Italian devices) and 'cogwheels' from the many swords they have collectively handled. In Wallace Coll. (Mann, 1962) the only reference on the mark is on late 16th c Swiss dagger. The roundel may be remnants of a 'man in the moon' as seen on some German early 16th c. blades. Can you guys help?