Very well put Gene! It seems to me to parallel the unscrupulous pillaging of archeological sites by hoarders and hawkers. These weapons are often in effect anthropological sites in themselves holding important historical information. How unfortunate that too many dont see them that way.
Giving more thought to the 'enigmatic' symbols seen on these blades.
While I mentioned the 'bee' symbol used in Solingen, the thought of the scorpion device often seen on Italian blades through the 16th century and probably later. Again, while these were typically makers marks, it does seem that the scorpion was perceived in folk religion as an apotropaic.
In Arabian sa'if, the scabbard often has a stylized device at the throat of the scabbard termed the 'aghrab' (=scorpion). This geometrically stylized device, no matter how I look at it, does not resemble an actual scorpion to me, but regardless, this is how it is perceived.
Among the Berber tribes in Kabylia, the well known flyssa has such attention to apotropaic devices in geometric style it is nearly a stereotype.
In a review of the work by Jean Gabus ("Au Sahara II, 1958) it is noted that the author strives to show the manner in which each artisan may interpret the symbolism for his own ends. This work reflects eight field investigations of Mauretanians, Tuareg and Fulani from 1942-1958 by the Musee d'Ethnographie of Nuechatel.
Perhaps the apotropaic explanation as a device to protect from the evil eye might be at the root of the enigmatic marking?
What say you Stephen?
All best regards,
Jim
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