[Jim McDougall]

Hi Kisak,
That is a good observation, and it is tempting to think that might be the case. It does seem that these numeric groupings are always in four, as a year date, with the years invariably being 15th and 16th century period.
Many of these are punctuated or interrupted with dots or 'x's between each number, which would imply some kind of separation, much as in an acronym in the case of letters.

The running wolf, also, is not always accompanying the numbers, and other symbols or markings sometimes appear, and often in varying configuration again suggesting separation from the meaning of the numbers.

In reviewing "Hunting Weapons" (H.L.Blackmore, London, 1971, p.41), the author is discussing the use of magical signs or numbers on blades, supposed to imbue the blade with talismanic properties, and notes that these presumed Kabbalistic meanings were known only to the owners or magicians who sold them to the owner.

It sounds almost like the deep and personally mystical symbolism we see in our own times with the popularity of tattoos, where purposeful individuals present illustrations or symbols they want emblazoned on thier skin, ostensibly to carry forth some deeply personal stigma.
Perhaps certain individuals approached bladesmiths or engravers to add such personalized symbols or numbers on thier blades.

This does not explain the comments made by Wagner suggesting that such numbers, always in fours simulating years, were consistant with certain makers, unless each maker had acquired some magical gematric combination to imbue strength into thier blades.

Blackmore notes (op.cit. p.41) referring to the number 1414 used on blades of the 17th and 18th centuries possibly a combination based on the lucky number 7, or referring to the date of death of a Bohemian hero (Johann Huss), but that "...unfortunately other sets of numbers such as 1441, 1506 and 1515 were also used and there is, as yet, no logical explanation for them".

Richard Cohen (" By The Sword", 2002, p.107) notes that makers of the Middle Ages, times of heightened superstition, "..the swordsmith was believed to employ a magic compound of gold, silver, copper and lead, a so called 'electrum magicum' as part of his craft. Under the influence of the stars he was held to be able to import supernatural strength to both sword and armor".
Perhaps numbers corresponded to symbols for elements in formulas or implied formulas suggesting the makers blade carried these qualities, in the tradition of these earlier swordsmiths.

Cohen notes further on p.117 that makers also used animal images, Latin mottoes, Biblical verses, prayers, charms, curses, anagrams and secret ciphers on blades.

In times of religious persecution and deep political intrigue, perhaps numbers in conjunction with alphabetical letters, as in code, were placed in a sort of cipher using first letters of a word or phrase were applied. It seems there was some sort of situation where this type of coding was used, but havent found notes yet.

All of these premises carry certain potential for at least some understanding of these mysterious markings, which have captivated my curiosity for more years than I can say. I'm really glad to have the opportunity to look further into these topics here, and I really appreciate you joining me on this!!!
Thank you so much,

All best regards,
Jim