ANYONE ANY IDEAS? -MEDIEVAL SWORD INSCRIPTION/INVOCATION

Reventlov · 6th September 2021, 01:03 AM

Based on comparison with other inscriptions, I think a plausible reading of the first side might be RCDNISRTNEDA. The two most relevant comparisons that I've found are swords from Oldenburg and Karlstad.

The Oldenburg sword belongs to the NED group, and also uses the sequence RC. This can be found in a several other inscriptions, in at least two cases as the first two letters.

The Karlstad sword is instead part of the SDX group, this sequence having been recently identified by scholars as sanctus dominus Christus. The sequence RT is used twice, immediately before IS, versus immediately after. The odd uncial variant of the letter T is used again here (not illustrated very clearly), and the cross of the sword is again type 2.

Both swords seem to have incomplete versions of the other's key sequence (SD vs. NE). I think the "inscription groups" that have been identified (NED, DIC, SDX) are not really distinct at all; there are many similarities and shared minor sequences like RT and RC, which probably also refer to certain standard phrases.

Both swords use the seemingly conjoined form of IS that is extremely close (or actually is?) a letter U/V. The crosses are also very elaborate and distinct; is there any chance that similar details are present in the crosses on your sword, Jasper?

Best,

Mark

cornelistromp · 18th October 2021, 10:41 AM

Sorry for my late response, I'm just now seeing the post.

RCDNISRTNEDA is a big contender and is certainly plausible.
Thanks for your help

The cross has more similarities with the oldenburg sword.
a hatched diamond with stripes in the middle, small pronounced triangles at the end of the arms and arcs at the small triangles. I also see a curl like the oldenburg sword at one triangle.

The cross looks more like the cross of the oldenburg sword but is less stretched.

best,
Jasper

6th September 2021, 01:03 AM	#1
Reventlov Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 141	Based on comparison with other inscriptions, I think a plausible reading of the first side might be RCDNISRTNEDA. The two most relevant comparisons that I've found are swords from Oldenburg and Karlstad. The Oldenburg sword belongs to the NED group, and also uses the sequence RC. This can be found in a several other inscriptions, in at least two cases as the first two letters. The Karlstad sword is instead part of the SDX group, this sequence having been recently identified by scholars as sanctus dominus Christus. The sequence RT is used twice, immediately before IS, versus immediately after. The odd uncial variant of the letter T is used again here (not illustrated very clearly), and the cross of the sword is again type 2. Both swords seem to have incomplete versions of the other's key sequence (SD vs. NE). I think the "inscription groups" that have been identified (NED, DIC, SDX) are not really distinct at all; there are many similarities and shared minor sequences like RT and RC, which probably also refer to certain standard phrases. Both swords use the seemingly conjoined form of IS that is extremely close (or actually is?) a letter U/V. The crosses are also very elaborate and distinct; is there any chance that similar details are present in the crosses on your sword, Jasper? Best, Mark Attached Images

18th October 2021, 10:41 AM	#2
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,064	Sorry for my late response, I'm just now seeing the post. RCDNISRTNEDA is a big contender and is certainly plausible. Thanks for your help The cross has more similarities with the oldenburg sword. a hatched diamond with stripes in the middle, small pronounced triangles at the end of the arms and arcs at the small triangles. I also see a curl like the oldenburg sword at one triangle. The cross looks more like the cross of the oldenburg sword but is less stretched. best, Jasper