This is an absolutely outstanding and comprehensive article Norman, thank you for sharing it here.
One of the little known facts about the dusagge is that these fighting swords had key influence in the development of the Scottish basket hilt sword (see attached image from this article ). The Scots were mercenaries who much favored these German swords which became known as 'Sinclair sabres' after George Sinclair, who was killed in the tragic battle of Kringen in Norway in 1612. Note the heart shaped piercing in the plate of the developing basket guard on this, and compare with the piercings of these hearts, among others seen in the saltire plates of the Scottish basket hilts.
I have often wondered about the symbolism of the heart and other shapes in these hilts, but thus far none has become evident.
All the best,
Jim
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