17th century European sword - Looking for assistance with blade marks

Jim McDougall · 14th August 2021, 05:21 PM

Good notes on the Wundes (later Weyersberg) use of the kings head markings which seem to have had variations of course. As also noted, this blade seem to be from first half 17th c. and from Solingen, as per the running wolf and SAHAGOM markings.
The punzone however is so degraded that the only discernible element is the crown, which seems to be a triple point (as used in Spanish marks). It is hard to say what distinctive features are within the cartouche, but it does not seem to be a head or face as with kings heads.
Spanish and other punzones often use shield shape containing whatever elements favored by the user, and the crown tops the shield.

The punzone is positioned centrally at the forte which is correct for markings of maker on blade.
The triple X mark is as mentioned the 'control' mark of Amsterdam, and while the 'X's are consistent, sometimes an 'A' is atop the triple X cartouche, in some cases a crown. The variation cases are unclear, but in this one, the X cartouche is diagonal and without character over it.

While we cannot determine maker by the indiscernible punzone, this is clearly a Solingen product by the wolf and spurious SAHAGOM, and we may assume the punzone may be also spurious Spanish one, as often practice in German centers.

14th August 2021, 05:21 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Good notes on the Wundes (later Weyersberg) use of the kings head markings which seem to have had variations of course. As also noted, this blade seem to be from first half 17th c. and from Solingen, as per the running wolf and SAHAGOM markings. The punzone however is so degraded that the only discernible element is the crown, which seems to be a triple point (as used in Spanish marks). It is hard to say what distinctive features are within the cartouche, but it does not seem to be a head or face as with kings heads. Spanish and other punzones often use shield shape containing whatever elements favored by the user, and the crown tops the shield. The punzone is positioned centrally at the forte which is correct for markings of maker on blade. The triple X mark is as mentioned the 'control' mark of Amsterdam, and while the 'X's are consistent, sometimes an 'A' is atop the triple X cartouche, in some cases a crown. The variation cases are unclear, but in this one, the X cartouche is diagonal and without character over it. While we cannot determine maker by the indiscernible punzone, this is clearly a Solingen product by the wolf and spurious SAHAGOM, and we may assume the punzone may be also spurious Spanish one, as often practice in German centers.