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

Jean-Marc S. · 26th April 2012, 10:03 PM

Hello,

Please, is this marking appearing on the blade of a renaissance period sword a so-called 'Passau Wolf' ?

Thanks,

jm

Matchlock · 27th April 2012, 12:44 AM

Hi Jm,

How about using automatic focus combined with flash light when taking images?

And, as 'Nando formerly requested: we need to see as much as possible of the whole item. Remember the blade (or whatever part) might not belong ...

Anyway, I passed these on to my friend and will let you know his comment as soon as he is back.

m

Jean-Marc S. · 27th April 2012, 07:01 AM

Hello,

The sword is the one posted here:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15433

jm

Swordfish · 27th April 2012, 11:38 AM

Hi

I am absolutely sure that this is no Passau Wolf, the Passau mark was copied by many manufacturers and dealers during the Renaissance period. Many sword blades of Solingen bear copied wulfs, but this unusual shape was not used in Solingen.

Best

Jim McDougall · 27th April 2012, 06:26 PM

The term 'Passau wolf' actually derives from the talismanic perceptions used on weapons originally produced in that city, once a prolific blade making center. The stylized interpretations from these early and crudely inscribed or stamped zoomorphic devices became widely adopted, particularly in the burgeoning center of Solingen. The original application of the term was actually 'Passau art' and was with reference to not only the talismanic properties purported to be imbued in the swords, but to magical amulets in other forms as well.

Magical charms, amulets and talismans were widely adopted in the context of arms and armour with thier obvious associations in the often mortal circumstances of thier use. There were many adaptions and stylizations of these 'wolf' figures, and contrary to popular belief, there are no developmental or regional typologies nor chronological linears. It should be remembered that much as with many magical charms, amulets and apotropaic devices, these are often personalized rather than strictly copied.
The geometric 'crosshatching' seen here is an element often seen in various magical contexts of the period, and certain features of this configuration do resemble those seen on the running wolf variations.

While modern perceptions often view these interpretations of magical amulets and stylized symbolism as nonsensical, it is important to remember it is not necessary to believe the explanations given, but it is essential to try to understand what those using them believed.

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

Thanks Jim and Swordfish for your helpful comments.

jm

26th April 2012, 10:03 PM	#1
Jean-Marc S. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France Posts: 104	Is this blade marking a 'Passau Wolf' (german sword late 16th to early 17th century)? Hello, Please, is this marking appearing on the blade of a renaissance period sword a so-called 'Passau Wolf' ? Thanks, jm Attached Images

27th April 2012, 12:44 AM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Jm, How about using automatic focus combined with flash light when taking images? And, as 'Nando formerly requested: we need to see as much as possible of the whole item. Remember the blade (or whatever part) might not belong ... Anyway, I passed these on to my friend and will let you know his comment as soon as he is back. m

27th April 2012, 07:01 AM	#3
Jean-Marc S. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France Posts: 104	Hello, The sword is the one posted here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15433 jm

27th April 2012, 11:38 AM	#4
Swordfish Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 129	Hi I am absolutely sure that this is no Passau Wolf, the Passau mark was copied by many manufacturers and dealers during the Renaissance period. Many sword blades of Solingen bear copied wulfs, but this unusual shape was not used in Solingen. Best

27th April 2012, 06:26 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	The term 'Passau wolf' actually derives from the talismanic perceptions used on weapons originally produced in that city, once a prolific blade making center. The stylized interpretations from these early and crudely inscribed or stamped zoomorphic devices became widely adopted, particularly in the burgeoning center of Solingen. The original application of the term was actually 'Passau art' and was with reference to not only the talismanic properties purported to be imbued in the swords, but to magical amulets in other forms as well. Magical charms, amulets and talismans were widely adopted in the context of arms and armour with thier obvious associations in the often mortal circumstances of thier use. There were many adaptions and stylizations of these 'wolf' figures, and contrary to popular belief, there are no developmental or regional typologies nor chronological linears. It should be remembered that much as with many magical charms, amulets and apotropaic devices, these are often personalized rather than strictly copied. The geometric 'crosshatching' seen here is an element often seen in various magical contexts of the period, and certain features of this configuration do resemble those seen on the running wolf variations. While modern perceptions often view these interpretations of magical amulets and stylized symbolism as nonsensical, it is important to remember it is not necessary to believe the explanations given, but it is essential to try to understand what those using them believed.

27th April 2012, 10:46 PM	#6
Jean-Marc S. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France Posts: 104	Thanks Jim and Swordfish for your helpful comments. jm