Unexpected Running Wolf Sighting

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by RobT

Jim McDougall,

Since I don't really collect Western European stuff, I never heard of the running fox and thought that all such running critter depictions were running wolf variations. Added to that, the manufacturer's name is German so I just assumed that something in his heritage made him choose the running wolf logo. Now I wonder why he chose the running fox since it's English. Any thoughts on that? I really would like to know because I have a mild interest in post American Civil War tool production.

Sincerely,
RobT

Rob,
The 'running fox' has become quite an icon in swords from 16th century into the 17th and has often become a point of contention in trying to fully comprehend its actual use. To be quite honest, I was collecting for many years and had thought the British fox was a wolf without even realizing the difference for years.

With markings used on weaponry, it is of course a matter of suggestion of quality and often allusion to certain heritage as you suggest, but every case is different so each much be evaluated on its own.

As you mention the Civil War, I would note that British were keen suppliers to the Confederacy, mostly with weapons of course but certainly there were other materials as well. Obviously a New Haven manufacturer would not be in that context, however British presence in American manufacturing is not unusual overall. It is important to note that all through the 19th century, English materials were always highly present in American markets.

Your thinking toward the German name bringing connection to the mark in the sense of running wolf is not entirely defeated however, as just as the British used the wolf concept to create their running fox, the same instance could be in mind. These kinds of curiosities are what have intrigued me for many years so nicely done here with this one.