Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Matchlock · 24th October 2010, 06:16 PM

Hi Cesare,

Now this an unusually fine sample of an Italian or South German 15th or early 16th c. knightly ring dagger worth to enter even the most renowned museum!

As you pointed out, the Latin word amor is spelt in two variations, the second of course being not a grammar but a spelling 'mistake'. I put the word mistake in quote as most craftsmen in those periods of time were neither capable of reading nor writing, and inscriptions like this - as well as on sword blades - had merely become a decorative element in late Gothis script.
Also the use of flower ornaments has nothing to do with early hippie style

but was just a characteristic decorative element.

Concerning the bladesmith's mark, please cf. my notes on a similar mark on one of your lugged spear heads.

Best,
Michael

24th October 2010, 06:16 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Cesare, Now this an unusually fine sample of an Italian or South German 15th or early 16th c. knightly ring dagger worth to enter even the most renowned museum! As you pointed out, the Latin word amor is spelt in two variations, the second of course being not a grammar but a spelling 'mistake'. I put the word mistake in quote as most craftsmen in those periods of time were neither capable of reading nor writing, and inscriptions like this - as well as on sword blades - had merely become a decorative element in late Gothis script. Also the use of flower ornaments has nothing to do with early hippie style but was just a characteristic decorative element. Concerning the bladesmith's mark, please cf. my notes on a similar mark on one of your lugged spear heads. Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 25th October 2010 at 01:42 PM.