The fleur de lis ... in a wider spectrum

[fernando]

Hi Victrix,
As exposed in current discussions, it is only that the fleur-de-lis achieved more popularity in France and not that it necessarily has to do only with that nation.
In the case of Spanish sword smiths, as in this case, you may relate such symbol with the heraldry of Spain, where the arms of the Bourbons figure in the Spanish flag.
Concerning the for-the-lis symbol in Juan Martinez blades, there is old solid evidence that he (also) used this mark. Whether it was his personal symbol, a quality seal or the mark of his status of ESPADERO DEL REY, a honorific title for smiths granted by the crown, is subject of discussion held in THIS THREAD, namely in post #3.


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[Victrix]

Thank you Fernando, that’s most helpful. I take it that this coat of arms for Spain dates to around the year 1700 when Philip, Duke of Anjou became king Philip V of Spain?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Victrix

Thank you Fernando, that’s most helpful. I take it that this coat of arms for Spain dates to around the year 1700 when Philip, Duke of Anjou became king Philip V of Spain?

It seems plausible, although the Bourbons also reigned in Navarra in a prior century. But the flag not being a well succeeded example, i would remind that Jehan Lermite in his "Le passetemps", lists a number of Toledo smiths and his marks in a rather explicit manner, and mentions that Juan Martinez has marked his blades with a crowned fleur de liz before using other symbols. Lermite has been in Toledo around 1600.

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[Victrix]

Many thanks, Fernando. Fascinating subject. It was a pleasant surprise to see the punzones de espadero in the other post you linked to. The statue at the top of this thread is fantastic!

[fernando]