VOC Hanger 1761 Amsterdam

Jim McDougall · 24th January 2017, 05:12 PM

Thank you so much for these answers Jasper.
BTW, no need for concerns over the often unfortunate circumstances that actually seem typical in virtually all colonial or other conquering situations throughout history. Such things are an inherently ugly business, but it is best to remain objective as we examine weapons and material matters,

The idea that individuals 'purchased' their own weapons was read somewhere passim, and it is maddening when I don't record the source in my notes! Perhaps it is that the VOC was of course a private concern, and possibly such equipment was deducted from pay.

I had read that the blades were Solingen products, and it makes sense that they were assembled at their respective chambers. That would account for the supply of blades which were carried aboard ships, for trade as well as probably repair purposes.
* but why the year? was this administrative? certainly not commemorative as these run from 1740s into 90s.

The dusagge was certainly a versatile weapon and served well on vessels as well as a hanger for infantry forces. Those well shell guard were of course well known in pirate lore, and often colloquially termed 'shells' in that case.

cornelistromp · 24th January 2017, 05:46 PM

Amsterdam VOC 1685 and two ex Visser collection

Jim McDougall · 24th January 2017, 07:10 PM

Thanks Jasper,
The 1685 is by far the earliest year I have seen on these.
It seems the most predominant is the majuscule A with the drop down V center bar, and it seems the most structured letter. The character and strength of the VOC seems to vary from thinly scribed to heavy with sometimes somewhat irregular lines. .
Naturally this is Amsterdam, by far the major center and chamber, and I always wonder why the usual city stamp marks used on other blades does not occur. Is this because the company was outside the auspices of the usual guild or local controls ?

Also,the other chamber letters seem typically irregular, and not with the structured character of the Amsterdam A. I have understood the R for Rotterdam is situated below the VOC device rather than over as in the other letter markings.

I had heard also of a 'Z' marking for Zeeland, anything to that?

Great examples!!! Thank you, I am very envious of these amazing examples!

cornelistromp · 25th January 2017, 05:56 PM

Hi Jim,

Middelburg is a town in the province zeeland.
the VOC chamber was Zeeland not Middelburg, that was a VOC city.

best,
Jasper

24th January 2017, 05:46 PM	#2
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,063	Amsterdam VOC 1685 and two ex Visser collection Attached Images Last edited by cornelistromp; 24th January 2017 at 06:01 PM.

25th January 2017, 05:56 PM	#4
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,063	Hi Jim, Middelburg is a town in the province zeeland. the VOC chamber was Zeeland not Middelburg, that was a VOC city. best, Jasper Attached Images

24th January 2017, 05:12 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,585	Thank you so much for these answers Jasper. BTW, no need for concerns over the often unfortunate circumstances that actually seem typical in virtually all colonial or other conquering situations throughout history. Such things are an inherently ugly business, but it is best to remain objective as we examine weapons and material matters, The idea that individuals 'purchased' their own weapons was read somewhere passim, and it is maddening when I don't record the source in my notes! Perhaps it is that the VOC was of course a private concern, and possibly such equipment was deducted from pay. I had read that the blades were Solingen products, and it makes sense that they were assembled at their respective chambers. That would account for the supply of blades which were carried aboard ships, for trade as well as probably repair purposes. * but why the year? was this administrative? certainly not commemorative as these run from 1740s into 90s. The dusagge was certainly a versatile weapon and served well on vessels as well as a hanger for infantry forces. Those well shell guard were of course well known in pirate lore, and often colloquially termed 'shells' in that case.

24th January 2017, 07:10 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,585	Thanks Jasper, The 1685 is by far the earliest year I have seen on these. It seems the most predominant is the majuscule A with the drop down V center bar, and it seems the most structured letter. The character and strength of the VOC seems to vary from thinly scribed to heavy with sometimes somewhat irregular lines. . Naturally this is Amsterdam, by far the major center and chamber, and I always wonder why the usual city stamp marks used on other blades does not occur. Is this because the company was outside the auspices of the usual guild or local controls ? Also,the other chamber letters seem typically irregular, and not with the structured character of the Amsterdam A. I have understood the R for Rotterdam is situated below the VOC device rather than over as in the other letter markings. I had heard also of a 'Z' marking for Zeeland, anything to that? Great examples!!! Thank you, I am very envious of these amazing examples!