Italian Storta

[Victrix]

Originally Posted by Reventlov

The shooting star is, I think, an elaborated variant of the engraved ornament appearing on the ricasso of many type XIX blades. Many of these are Italian (or Italianate), and the ornament first appears in the 14th century. If it was in any way inspired from a non-European style, the transmission occurred very early.

Usually the final detail is simply a point, or small circle, not a star. I can at least share a 16th-century illustration from Spain of buenas espadas antiguas, showing the "shooting star" style.

Thanks for sharing your handsome storta!

Best,

Mark

Mark, many thanks for sharing that information. I think it puts the decorations on the Storta in context. I assumed the symbols were oriental influence but look to have been used in Italy for centuries before the sword was made.